Stay inside, filter indoor air amid wildfire smoke, respirologist says
CTV
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
Dr. Alex Chee says if the air quality is poor, people should close their windows and do what they can to filter the indoor air.
He recommends using air purifiers, but says air conditioners can also act as air filters, or people can turn their furnaces on to the fan setting.
He says it's important air conditioners and furnaces have HEPA filters or filters with a rating of MERV 13.
Chee says if it's not possible to purify the air at home, or if it's too hot, another option is to head to an air-conditioned space such as a mall or library.
If people need to go outside, he suggests wearing N-95 masks to filter out some of the harmful particulate matter in wildfire smoke.
People with lung or heart conditions, children, seniors and pregnant women are at highest risk when the air quality is bad, Chee said.
