Air quality index for Lloydminster listed as low risk

The wildfire in Fort McMurray is so massive, with winds there reaching almost 50 km/h, and winds carrying the smoke in other areas, the smoke has made its way to the Lloydminster area.

Other parts of the province are experiencing the same thing, if not worse. The air quality index for Lloydminster is a 3, on a scale from 1 to 10, so the city is at “low risk,” approaching “moderate risk.” Right now, Cold Lake’s AQI is listed at 9 or “high risk,” expected to get up to 11. Elk Point’s is listed as 3 and is also expected to rise to 11 by tonight.

Winds in Lloydminster are posted at 52 km/h from the north, and as they continue throughout the day, the air quality may become poorer, and the index number will rise.

Environment Canada has posted “conditions” for Lloydminster as smoky, and hazy, with reduced visibility to 5km.

High levels of particulate matter in the air from smoke can be expected occasionally until the fire is extinguished or controlled.Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.