Air quality in Calgary a 'very high risk' due to wildfire smoke
CTV
Winds have brought in a considerable amount of smoke to Calgary from area wildfires, pushing the Air Quality Health Index to its maximum level and forcing Environment Canada to issue an air quality advisory on Tuesday.
Winds have brought in a considerable amount of smoke to Calgary from area wildfires, pushing the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to its maximum level and forcing Environment Canada to issue an air quality advisory on Tuesday.
While Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) AQHI had the city's "observed conditions" at only a three, or low risk, at 6 a.m., it increased that rating to its top rating of 10+ by 9 a.m.
This means that anyone who is at risk should "avoid strenuous activities outdoors."
"Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion," the AQHI's website reads.
Other residents should also consider other precautions, it said.
"Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation."
At 7:41 a.m., the agency issued a special air quality statement because of the deteriorating conditions.
