As the smoke from the B.C Wildfires continues to spread into Lloydminster, residents are asked to keep an eye on the air quality index.
Doctor Mohammed Mosli says the poor air quality can affect everyone differently.
“People who are healthy are affected less severely who have health conditions such as asthma, COPD and heart conditions.”
Residents may experience symptoms of increased coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. People with lung diseases such as asthma are more at risk and generally experience more serious health effects.
Alberta Health Services recommends residents check the index to see the conditions of their area. The air quality will be updated as needed to notify the public.
“It is a way to put the variables we monitor together and then communicate it to the public. We give them what the readings are and the impact on their health.”
According to Environment Canada, Lloydminster could be affected by the wildfires fires for up to a month. The air quality is expected to be irregularly poor for the rest of the week.
“The indoor air quality is getting as bad as the outdoor quality. So that’s we’re recommending people close their windows and try to stay indoors.”
The British Columbia government has declared a province-wide state of emergency in response to the wildfires. More than 500 wildfires have been reported and over 3,000 have been asked to evacuate.