On Tuesday, Calgary became the most polluted city in the world for a few hours due to the raging forest fires in the province of Alberta.

In Calgary, tons of toxic smoke and particulates from Alberta wildfires have topped the city on Canada’s Health and Air Quality Index, putting it at ‘very high risk’ for many hours.

At its peak, levels of fine and toxic particles were recorded at more than 500 micrograms per cubic meter, more than five times the average in Lahore, Pakistan, considered the most polluted city in the world in 2022.

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Alberta has declared a state of emergency because as of Tuesday there were 87 wildfires in the province’s Forest Protection Zone, 24 of which were classified as out of control, forcing more than 19 470 people to leave their homes. .

So far, the province has controlled 472 wildfires that have burned nearly 1,500,000 acres, and more than 2,500 people are fighting them, including personnel from other provinces, the United States and the Canadian Armed Forces. .

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The fires have devastating ecological and health impacts, as not only do they alter the landscape, but also the air pollution caused by the spreading smoke worries experts.

When wood burns, countless tiny particles a fraction of the width of a hair are released into the air. These fragments are among the major contributors to disease and death today.

Air pollution is linked to the development of neurological disorders such as dementia, heart disease, lung disease, various cancers, etc.

According to Environment Canada, common symptoms of smoke inhalation include: watery and painful eyes, runny nose and sinus irritation, scratchy throat and mild cough, as well as headache.

Experts recommend investing in a good home air filter and going outside with a high-quality respirator to reduce some of the contaminants.

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My name is Alexa and I am a communication specialist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I am passionate about journalism and everything related to language and writing. Volunteering is an important part of my life and I have collaborated with different civil associations in favor of human rights. meet me 🙂