Environment Canada has issued a "special air quality" statement for the majority of Central Alberta, due to wildfire smoke arriving in the region.
Areas included in the advisory are Innisfail, Olds, Red Deer, Red Deer County, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Eckville, Lacombe County, Wetaskiwin, Stettler, Ponoka, Ponoka County and the County of Wetaskiwin.
According to Environment Canada, the air quality health index was nine on Tuesday morning and was expected to remain "high risk", at a nine until Wednesday. Any rating above 10 is very high risk.
In the statement, the organization said, "smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility."
"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," they said in the statement that was released at 8:30 a.m. on June 10.
Environment Canada said that the health risk increases as smoke levels increase and people should consider reducing their time outdoors.
"You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance," they said.
"People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms."
Environment Canada also advised that people should keep their windows and doors closed as much as possible.
"Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles," they said.
The organization also advises that a mask can reduce exposure to "fine particles in the smoke."
