Environment Canada has issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin covering the Elk Valley.

Localized impacts of smoke continue in the Southern and Central Interior over the next 24-48 hours

Easterly winds continue to transport smoke from the Southern Interior towards the Lower Mainland and the Island, causing hazy conditions with some regions more heavily impacted, Environment Canada explained.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. 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.

Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.

Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.

The smoky skies bulletin does not cover the rest of the East Kootenay at this time (August 27).

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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