Health Unit Precautions During Special Air Quality Statements

Environment Canada has issued Special Air Quality Statements for various areas within the South East Health Unit (SEHU) region. Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Wildfire smoke is expected over the area today. The potential for ground level smoke may continue tonight into Friday for some areas.

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale designed to help people make decisions to protect their health by limiting exposure to air pollution. 

If you are experiencing symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath, Public Health recommends you reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity until Environment Canada lifts the special air quality statement. 

During a special air quality statement, everyone is at risk; however, the health risks are highest for:

• People with lung disease, such as asthma
• People with heart disease, such as congestive heart failure
• Children and seniors
• People with diabetes
• People participating in sports or strenuous work outdoors

Follow your health care provider’s advice about exercising and managing an existing medical condition. Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

As smoke levels rise, so do health risks. Please follow these protective measures to reduce your exposure:

• Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
• When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
• Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Precautions can include using a clean, high-quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
• If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitting NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or equivalent can help reduce your exposure to harmful fine particles. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
• Check in on others who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality, such as older adults, young children and people with existing health conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Details on these Air Quality Statements are available on Environment Canada’s website. Additional information on air quality is available on the Government of Canada’s website.