Wildfire smoke inundates area

BY JOHN MATHER

Smoke from wildfires in B.C. and Alberta have been impacting air quality in the Lamont and Beaver County areas for the past week and during the second quarter of the year according to the Fort Air Partnership.

In a report issued last week, the Partnership indicated there were 544 exceedences of the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQO) and 88 exceedences of the 24-hour objective.

The increased number of high and very-highrisk AQHI hours resulted from wildfire smoke and summertime smog in the FAP airshed, the report stated.

“Wildfire smoke increased the amount of fine particulate matter in our airshed, especially from May 16-25 and June

8-14, but also on June 2-3 and June 16. Regional meteorological conditions (which led to smog formation) resulted in a 24-hour fine particulate matter exceedance on April 1.

There were 494 onehour exceedances of fine particulate matter caused by wildfire smoke. There were also 46 one-hour exceedances of ozone levels caused by wildfire smoke and/or summertime smog, three one-hour exceedances of benzene with an undetermined source, and one one-hour exceedance of hydrogen sulphide with an undetermined source.

Meanwhile during the past week smoke again rolled into the area on July 13,

On July 16 smoke levels were at a high risk level and on July 17 they had dropped to a lower 4 to 6 level according to a stateent issued by Environment Canada.

It further added, “People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains.

Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.”

The smoke levels were expected to drop by July 18 as rain was expected to fall across the area.