Wildfire smoke prompts special air quality alert for Calgary

Calgary’s skies are hazy Thursday morning thanks to wildfire smoke, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue a special air quality alert.

As of 6 a.m., the weather agency put the air quality in the city at seven, which is considered to be high risk.

ECCC says fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk, and as smoke levels increase, health risks increase.

Seniors, pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people who do strenuous outdoor exercise and people with existing illness or chronic health conditions are more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

Those most likely to be impacted are encouraged to reschedule or reduce activities outdoors and seek medical attention if they start experiencing symptoms.

Common symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, while more serious symptoms are chest pain and severe cough.

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