SWPH anticipates 'high-risk' air quality

Ontario's Air Quality Health Index forecasts a high risk to air quality on June 27 and 28th in the region 

Smoke from ongoing forest fires in Quebec and Ontario has impacted the air quality in several regions of Ontario, including in Elgin County and Oxford County.

On June 27th, Environment Canada issued a special statement for Elgin County and Oxford County because the Ontario Air Quality Health Index for the region is expect to rise to 7, which is consider high risk, Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.

Residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas are recommended to monitor the AQHI to evaluate the risk of smoke pollution to their health, as conditions and health risks could change quickly.

Wildfire smoke can harm health, even if you cannot smell it. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include sore or watery eyes, runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, and headache.

For the general population, it is recommended to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities. Also consider:

• Staying inside if you have breathing difficulties.
• Being sure the house does not get too warm when windows and doors are closed to keep smoke out.
• Contacting your health care provider if you have new or worsening symptoms.
• Wearing a well-fitted respiratory type mask (N95, KN95) if you must spend time outdoors.

Those who are at-risk – such as people who have asthma, lung disease or heart disease, or older adults, children, pregnant women, and those who work outdoors – may have a higher degree of health effects due to wildfire smoke and should evaluate their individual health risks.

The Air Quality Health Index calculates data from 39 air monitoring stations across Ontario to assess pollution-related health risks and air quality. Forecasts are posted hourly every day. The health index risk levels range from 1-3 as low risk to health, to above 10 indicating a very high risk to health.

Learn more about the Air Quality Health Index and levels of risk at www.airqualityontario.com or visit www.swpublichealth.ca/en/community-health/air-quality.aspx.