Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement.
Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
High levels of air pollution are expected due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec have resulted in deteriorated air quality.
Poor air quality will persist throughout Monday and possibly through Tuesday for some areas.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
For more details, please consult the Canadian wildfire website.
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.
Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.
Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke. If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly.
Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
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.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
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