Smoke free summers a thing of the past as Alberta gets hit with wildfire smoke from all sides
Wildfires burning across western Canada are having a major impact on the air quality in most of Alberta.
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Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia, northern Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are cumulatively worsening the air quality across municipalities in the province and experts are saying smoke-free summers are becoming a thing of the past.
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Environment Canada's air quality health index (AQHI) is forecasting Edmonton will jump from a 9 out of 10 on Monday to a 10 on Tuesday.
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Postmedia spoke with two experts in public health and medicine to discuss how Albertans can protect against the smoke, health risks and why does Alberta get so much smoke.
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Low snow pack, warm and dry weather, and lack of precipitation are pointing to an unfavourable fire season for western Canada — specifically Alberta, says Jeff Brook, an associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
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Brook said while there's smoke every summer, it is often just above the ground at low levels. However over the past 10 years, he said, researchers are seeing cases where smoke conditions are becoming progressively worse.
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'We generally think that the smoke particles are as harmful when we inhale them as regular pollution, and we need to treat them that way,' Brook said.
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Alberta getting more smoke in recent weeks is in part due to 'luck of the draw' and paired with weather patterns over multiple days as wildfires continue to burn, according to Brook.
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The reason why Edmonton might get more smoke is due to its proximity to the boreal forest regions, which are often very susceptible to fires.
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Brook said smoke particles can endure quite readily even when indoors — half of what is outside will get inside.
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One of the best ways to protect against smoke particles, especially the smaller ones, is by using an air purifier. He said purchasing one is extremely effective, but for those who want to make one at home using a high quality furnace filter, box fan and card board would also be efficient.
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