Air quality in the bow valley

Whilst air quality in the Bow Valley in generally very good, there are a number of threats, factors and challenges to be aware of. On this page we discuss some of the challenges, how you can monitor real time air quality, take action for your health in the short and the long term.

protecting ourselves from wildfire smoke

Probably the most notable impact on our air quality is through smoke resulting from wildfires. In a recent Earth Talk in February of 2024, we partnered with the Bow Valley Clean Air Society to learn how to build our own DIY Home Air Filters.

This workshop was supported by Canmore Canadian Tire and led by Karen Rollins, President of Bow Valley Clean Air Society.

Attendees:

  • Learned why indoor air filtration is needed: to filter virus and wildfire smoke

  • Were shown three inexpensive designs of DIY indoor air filters

  • Built their own air filter on site to take home

Thank you to Karen Rollins, Hal Retzer, Darcy Coombs, Jess Harding, and Jonathan Rollins who made this workshop a reality.

Real time air quality monitoring

Purple Air is a network of community air quality monitors that you can browse.

Sensor Community is another site that shows community sensors that you can build yourself.

 

How can air quality affect our health

Because PM2.5 particles are so minute, they are able to reach the deepest levels of your lungs every time you breathe in air that is polluted with them.

The risk is especially great for those who choose to exercise outdoors when PM2.5 air quality levels are high, as they are inhaling more deeply than someone who is not exerting themselves while outdoors. 

PM2.5 levels affect more than just your lungs — they can also enter the bloodstream, where they eventually end up affecting every part of the body.

Your lungs and heart are most at risk for the ill effects of inhaling PM2.5 particles and repeat exposure can lead to heart and lung disease and increased risk for upper respiratory conditions and infections.

EmergEncy response plans

The Town of Canmore has developed an extensive emergency response plan for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke.