Airdrie's air quality hit dangerous levels

On Tuesday, multiple sporting events and community events were cancelled in Airdrie and the surrounding areas due to extremely poor air quality.

At one point, Airdrie's Air Quality Health Index was at 10+, meaning the air quality has been deemed a very high risk.

According to IQAir, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the particulate matter, (PM 2.5) was 178.2, which is deemed very unhealthy - the highest recorded during the day. While the particulate matter did decrease during the course of the evening, it was still recorded at 13.3 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. 

A map from IQAir shows the air quality in Airdrie on Tuesday evening. (Graphic provided by IQAir)

As of 6:00 p.m., Calgary was deemed to be in the top ten worst air quality cities in Alberta, while Wild Rose, Alberta had the worst air quality. 

Airdrie continues to be under a special air quality statement due to winds bringing in smoke from the wildfires burning in Northern and Central Alberta. And while the special air quality statement did state that conditions should improve on Wednesday, weather forecasts are predicting widespread smoke on Wednesday. The Air Quality Index is predicting that Airdrie's Air quality will be ranked at 8 on Wednesday during the day, deeming it still high risk.

Environment and Climate Change advise that anytime air quality is between 7-10, those who are at higher risk of acute health complications should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy, while the general population should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if they experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Air quality is expected to improve Wednesday evening. 

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