During the spring and summer, Alberta typically experiences smoke drifting from many different forest fires across Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC and Northern USA. This impacts outdoor air quality, and may result in a special air quality advisory from Environment Canada. When this statement is in effect, it is advisable to be aware of how smoke and other air pollution may affect you.

Some of the side effects of air pollution include lungs, eye and airway irritation, feeling like it is harder to breathe, and the worsening of some chronic disease symptoms such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Students with health conditions such as asthma will be more sensitive to unhealthy air. Read more about precautions you can take on the Alberta Health Services website.

Alberta Health Services – Air Quality

Air Quality and Health (Government of Alberta)

Alberta Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

Pembina Hills Public Schools Division Message (regarding smoke from wildfires)