People across midwestern Ontario may find it a little harder to breathe as smoke from wildfires burning in the northern part of the province and elsewhere in Canada is deteriorating air quality.
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement on Thursday for Huron County, southern Bruce County, the Bruce Peninsula, and northern Grey County, as well as for Lambton and Middlesex counties, warning of high levels of air pollution. This is causing or will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout the affected areas. The smoke plumes are drifting into midwestern Ontario from the more than a dozen fires burning in northern Ontario and the numerous blazes ravaging the Prairies.
The air quality health index (AQHI) risk is expected to go from moderate to high as the day progresses.
"People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms," Environment Canada advised.
The smoky conditions can cause mild symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough or more serious, but less common, symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Anyone who believes they are having a medical emergency is reminded to seek medical assistance immediately.
For anyone who has to spend time outdoors, the national weather agency recommends wearing a "well-constructed and well-fitting" respirator type mask, such as a certified N95 or equivalent respirator.
Inside the home, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and use a clean, good quality air filter in ventilation systems or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. With the forecast calling for heat and humidity that will make it feel like near 30 C Thursday, Environment Canada also stressed the importance for people to prioritize keeping cool and to check in on those who may be more susceptible to the heat and outdoor air pollution.
"Conditions are expected to slowly improve overnight, however, the potential for ground level smoke will continue into Friday," Environment Canada said.