Bothered by wildfire smoke? Avoid outdoor activity, health official advises

Edmonton hospital emergency rooms are prepared to handle a possible spike in respiratory problems tied tothe smoky haze blanketing the city and the province.

"[A spike] wouldn't be unexpected. That may occur," Dr. Chris Sikora, Edmonton zone medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services, said Wednesday."We're well prepared to be able to manage that."

• Wildfire haze from B.C. raising air quality concerns across Alberta

The Air Quality Health Index had Edmonton at 10, which is high risk, as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. The index was expected to reach 10+, very high risk, later in the day.

The reduced air quality is the result of smoke drifting east from more than 600 wildfires burning in British Columbia.

The smoke may exacerbate underlying health concerns, Sikora said. People with asthma may see the condition worsen, and those with heart issues are at an increased risk.

People with pre-existing health conditions should stay indoors and seek medical advice through the provincial help line, Health Link, should their conditions or symptoms worsen, he said.

Even healthy people could be affected by the smoke and experience a sore or irritated throat, sore eyes, increased coughing, headaches or shortness of breath.

"Try to avoid breathing in a lot of that material by avoiding that strenuous activity that really works the lungs and the heart more than when at rest," Sikora said.

It "won't do a lot" to wear a mask or cover your mouth with cloth, he said.

"A lot of the masks don't provide a secure-enough seal to help significantly," Sikora said. "It's reduction of the activity, monitor your health symptoms if you're in that high risk category, and really take it easy and avoid that strenuous outdoor activity."

Outside workers getting by

People who have no choice but to work outside are managing in different ways.

A.C.S Express Inc. bike courierCollin Horrocksisn't too bothered by the smoke.

"I ride behind cars all day long. You get exhaust, there's buses ... you get hot but it's just another day," he said.

Fat Franks vendor Dan Laurie set up as usual Wednesday morning in Churchill Square. The typicallybustling space was relatively empty, resulting in fewer sales for Laurie.

"(I made) probably half that what I'd normally do," Laurie said. "I'd like to say that I would stay home, but I can't do that."

Laurie packed up around 1:30 p.m., just as theAQHI wasinching toward10.

Pets are also at risk in this heavy smoke. Dog Jogco-owner Stephanie Law said her staff are keeping an extra eye on their four-legged clients for any signs of distress from the smoke.

"We want to keep a close eye on symptoms. That would be coughing, sneezing, panting excessively. That kind of thing," she said, adding that some breeds like pugs have a higher risk for breathing problems.

Law recommends people watch their pets for any unusual symptoms, and leave plenty of fresh water available for them to drink.