Edmonton’s air quality rated ‘very high risk’ on Wednesday

A blanket of smoke covered Edmonton and much of Alberta on Wednesday, prompting Environment Canada to issue an air quality warning for the region.

The air quality in Edmonton and surrounding municipalities was rated from high to very high risk throughout the day. Environment Canada advised residents to limit time outdoors and to reschedule or cancel outdoor sports and recreational activities.

However, not everyone is taking the warning seriously.

Runners near the Alberta Legislature were seen continuing their workouts despite the haze.

“I just think it’s good to stay healthy, so then when you get older, you’re still healthy,” said Amany, who was jogging in the river valley.

The smoke hanging over the North Saskatchewan River was clearly visible.

“It’s a little bad, but I’m just trying to balance staying healthy versus breathing, I guess,” said John, another runner in the area.

Some residents breathing in the smoky air said even Monday’s air quality index—rated over 10, in the very high-risk range—felt manageable compared to previous summers.

“If you really want to take the risk and see what happens in 10 or 20 years—what happens to your lungs and your lung health—okay, try it. But you may have issues in the long term,” warned Dr. Paige Lacy, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta.

Professor Lacy studied the impact of smoke exposure on RCMP officers during the Fort McMurray wildfires and found that even a single week of exposure led to long-term respiratory complications.

She emphasized that while young and healthy Edmontonians may not feel the immediate effects of wildfire smoke, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of future health problems.

“You could potentially develop lung problems like difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, mucus production, and more, which result from wildfire smoke particles entering your lungs and triggering inflammation,” Lacy explained.

She recommends limiting time outdoors during smoke events, regardless of age or current health, and wearing a well-fitted respirator mask, such as an N95, to help reduce exposure.

Air quality in Edmonton is expected to improve slightly on Thursday, dropping to a moderate risk level.