A file photo of a 2023 forest fire.
With the ongoing forest fires leading to poor air quality, the Leeds Grenville & District Health Unit has advice on how to minimize the impact on your health.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li says you should consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask while outdoors, as the typical surgical ones won’t cover you.
Li runs through some symptoms you may be experiencing during this stretch.
Poor air quality puts those with lung or heart disease particularly at risk, and it’s advised you stay indoors if you can with the windows closed with proper air ventilation and filters in your property.
- Limit outdoor activities. If you have difficulty breathing, reduce your activities or stop altogether. Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95), when outdoors.
- Stay cool and drink lots of water to help your body cope with the smoke
- Check in on others who may be more vulnerable to air pollution
- Prevent outdoor air from getting into your home by
- Keeping windows and doors sealed
- Installing a high quality air filter in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to remove air pollution from incoming air. Set the HVAC System to recircualtion mode
- Limit the use of exhaust fans when not cooking.
- Avoid sources of indoor air pollution:
- Smoking
- Burning incense and candles
- Vacuuming
- Using wood stoves
- For those with lung or heart disease, ensure you have the medication you need to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations
Story by Grant Deme
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