Listen Live

Air Quality Advisory issued for City of Cold Lake, Town of Bonnyville and surrounding areas

Alberta Health Services — Health Advisory

July 10, 2015

COLD LAKE – Due to smoke from wildfires burning near Cold Lake, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing an air quality advisory for the City of Cold Lake, Town of Bonnyville and surrounding areas. This air quality advisory is in addition to the precautionary air quality advisory issued May 26, which also remains in place for the entire North Zone of AHS.

Individuals living or travelling in the above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions.

In the current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

To reduce exposure to the current air conditions, all individuals can:
Stay indoors as much as possible.
Reduce presence of smoke in indoor environments:
Close and lock all outside windows and doors, including attached garage doors
Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting.  Do not attempt to extinguish pilot light.
If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.
Switch all floor registers to closed position
Close fire place dampers on wood burning fireplaces.
Do not use wood burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.
If you must drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air.
Reduce levels of physical activity, as necessary, to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants.
Do not smoke tobacco – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms, due to the current air conditions.  These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs.

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Air quality can vary with weather conditions and prevailing winds. Because air quality is expected to be variable, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated regularly on the Alberta Parks Website at: http://esrd.alberta.ca/air/programs-and-services/air-quality-health-index/default.aspx.  Air quality information is also available by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-247-7333.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 4 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.

Cold Lake is set to go big for Canada Day with a full day of events

Cold Lake is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on July 1.

RCAF CF-18 to flyby Cold Lake on July 1

With the weather pitching in for Canada Day, expect the roar of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as two CF-18 Hornets will flyby at various times over Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Spruce Grove on July 1.

Woman airlifted to Edmonton after two-vehicle collision near Elk Point

A 78-year-old woman was airlifted to Edmonton in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision in the county of St. Paul on June 24. 

Town of St. Paul ready to host full day of Canada Day events

The town of St. Paul is getting ready for a packed Canada Day celebration on July 1, featuring activities, live entertainment, and a performance of Canadian fiddle music. 
- Advertisement -