The past week in the RM of Medstead there has been a heat wave coupled with smoke pollution from the western Canada wildfires. Both a heat warning, noting temperatures above 35 C, and a special air quality statement from Environment Canada were issued. The air quality statement advised of smoke coming from Alberta and British Columbia and noted the increased risk for those with respiratory issues. The air quality health index can be accessed at Canada.ca.
Advising of some of the risks associated with compromised air in summer conditions, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention note recommendations for measures to be taken to best stay safe. Most are as simple as checking a UV index and include checking air quality reports and visibility guides. Others include keeping the air indoors clean by preventing air from outdoors entering the home and limiting vacuuming as it kicks up dust particles in the home.
Dust masks are also noted as something of which to be an informed consumer, as typical masks trap only large particles and could lead to a false sense of air quality.
