Wildfire smoke from British Columbia and Alberta covers Calgary's downtown and the Calatrava Peace Bridge. (Reuters)
Calgary and its neighbouring areas are currently enveloped in thick wildfire smoke, leading doctors to caution the public about taking necessary precautions. As of Thursday noon, Calgary’s air quality health index hit 10-plus, indicating a “very high risk.” However, conditions fluctuate rapidly. By 1 p.m., the air quality rating dropped to 8, or "high risk," and two hours later, it was at 6, classified as "moderate risk."
Dr. Kerri Johannson, a lung specialist and clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Calgary’s current air quality is among the worst ever recorded. She emphasized that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels poses significant health risks.
An air quality advisory issued for Calgary advised everyone to limit their outdoor activities. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” the advisory stated. Even generally healthy individuals might experience symptoms like itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and throat irritation.
However, certain groups are more vulnerable, including seniors, infants, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. These individuals are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities entirely. Dr. Johannson noted that smoke exposure can significantly worsen asthma, leading to symptoms ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening exacerbations. She mentioned that air pollution and wildfire smoke are known to increase the risk of asthma attacks, often necessitating emergency department visits and hospitalization.
Other lung diseases and acute heart conditions can also be exacerbated by poor air quality. Dr. Johannson pointed out that studies have shown an increased risk of heart attacks due to air pollution exposure, which causes acute inflammatory processes in the lungs, leading to systemic inflammation in the body. She advised people with chronic heart and lung conditions to ensure they have their medications, like inhalers, readily available and to use them as prescribed. She stressed the importance of being diligent in managing underlying diseases during this high-risk period.
Alberta Health Services is urging anyone experiencing symptoms related to poor air quality to call Health Link at 811. Dr. Eddy Lang, clinical department head for emergency medicine in the Calgary zone, confirmed that patients with chronic respiratory diseases are being treated, likely worsened by the smoke. Although the total number of ER visits for coughing and shortness of breath hasn't significantly increased, Dr. Lang described Calgary’s air quality as "quite dangerous" and recommended that at-risk individuals stay indoors.
Dr. Lang advised even healthy individuals to avoid outdoor activities, as the long-term health consequences of such poor air quality are still uncertain. He suggested exercising indoors and keeping doors and windows closed while inside. Using high-quality air filters on ventilation systems or indoor air purifiers can help filter out harmful particles. For those who must be outdoors, wearing well-fitting respirator masks, such as N95s, is recommended, though there can still be health risks.
