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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH

Re: Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) Issued – Wildfire Smoke Impacting Air Quality

A Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) has been issued for the Eastern Ontario region, as smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality that is expected to last from a few hours to a few days. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is advising residents to consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities while the statement is in effect. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

Precautions to protect yourself and those you care for

When the air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, everyone is at risk as the fine particles in wildfire smoke affect individuals of all ages, regardless of their health. However, health risks are greater for infants and young children, teenagers, seniors, pregnant individuals, people with lung or heart conditions, smokers, people experiencing homelessness, and people who spend long periods of time outdoors (including those who work or exercise outdoors). When the local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches level 7 to 10 (high risk level), the following measures can help you and people in your care or employment stay safe:

  • Check your local weather forecasts and alerts for the latest air quality conditions so you know when to take precautionary measures.
  • Pay attention to any medical symptoms, especially if you or individuals in your care are taking medication or have a health condition. Take a break from outdoor activities if necessary.
  • Take additional precautions if you or any individuals in your care are living with cardiovascular disease or lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as air pollution at lower levels can still trigger serious health effects.
  • Children and teenagers may also be at higher risk from outdoor air pollution as they tend to be more active outdoors. Young people are also at higher risk as their lungs are still developing and they have higher rates of asthma.
  • Older adults are also more affected by air pollution as they tend to have pre-existing lung and cardiovascular diseases.
  • If you or people in your care or employment plan on exercising or working outdoors when air pollution levels are high, pay close attention to the weather forecasts and AQHI levels and plan your day’s activities according to when air pollution levels will be lower. • When possible, limit your exposure to air pollution sources such as busy roads or heavy traffic areas.
  • Reduce indoor air pollution by replacing your Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system’s HEPA filters every three months and eliminating pollution sources like tobacco smoke.
  • Avoid using chemicals such as cleaning products, paints, finishes, and glues that can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Potential health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke include eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and headaches. Less common but more severe symptoms of smoke exposure include dizziness, chest pains, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and heart palpitations. Individuals who have pre-existing cardiovascular and lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure will experience a worsening of their regular symptoms. If you or someone in your care are having a medical emergency, seek medical assistance immediately.

Note that air quality can change or deteriorate quickly. Please pay close attention to the local AQHI reports at http://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/index.php, and follow any recommendations listed for your area. We also strongly recommend that you subscribe to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ air quality alert email notifications at https://www.airqualityontario.com/alerts/signup.php. This will allow you to respond promptly to rapidly changing air quality conditions and to follow the provided recommendations.

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