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Smoke plumes from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec are expected to cause the air quality in Grey-Bruce to deteriorate for a second time this month, prompting Environment & Climate Change Canada to issue a Special Air Quality Statement for the area:

High levels of air pollution are expected today and Wednesday due to smoke from forest fires.

Smoke plumes from forest fires over northeastern Ontario and Quebec will move into the area this afternoon or tonight, resulting in deteriorated air quality.

Conditions are expected to improve for some areas on Thursday night.

Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

For information on how to reduce your health risk visit Environment Canada.

The province’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Grey-Bruce is also forecasted to reach High Risk by tonight due to the wildfire smoke and remain at that level into tomorrow, Wednesday, June 28.

When the AQHI for Grey-Bruce reaches the High-Risk level, Grey Bruce Public Health recommends the following:

• For the At-Risk population, which includes people with heart or breathing problems: reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.
  
  
• For the general population: consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if experiencing symptoms such as coughing and/or throat irritation.
  
  

“Grey Bruce Public Health is encouraging Grey-Bruce residents to monitor alerts and forecasts related to the current air quality situation and take recommended steps to protect their health and the health of their children and other loved ones,” says Dr. Ian Arra, Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health.

Environment & Climate Change Canada anticipates that air quality conditions will improve for some parts of Ontario on June 28, 2023.

The AQHI for Grey-Bruce, which is measured at the Tiverton station, is expected to transition to moderate Wednesday night.

Wildfire smoke, which can create high levels of pollution in the air, can adversely affect everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.

In addition to the recommended precautions, Grey-Bruce residents can limit their exposure to wildfire smoke by taking the following measures:

• Keep windows and doors closed if the indoor temperature is comfortable;
• Utilize recirculation settings on HVAC systems;
• Install clean, high-quality air filters in ventilation systems;
• Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters; and
• Seek refuge in community centres, libraries, and shopping malls, where cleaner filtered air is often available.
  
  

Mild irritation and discomfort caused by wildfire smoke are common and typically subside as the smoke dissipates. Drinking plenty of water can help the body cope with these temporary changes.

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source: media release, Grey Bruce Public Health; photographs: pixabay.com