Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for communities across Northeastern Ontario.

“Very high levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires,” Environment and Climate Change Canada has stated.

The smoke is the result of forest fires in both Quebec and Northeastern Ontario.

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” the ministry continued in its statement.

People who have certain conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by the wildfire smoke. They include people with lung disease such as asthma, people with heart disease, older adults, children, and pregnant women. People who work outdoors are also at higher risk of experiencing health effects.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has recommended that people stop outdoor activities and contact their health care provider if any symptoms occur. These include shortness of breath, wheezing and asthma attacks, severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. It is recommended that people stay inside if they are feeling unwell and are experiencing symptoms.

In your home, it is recommended that you keep your indoor air clean. “Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is  comfortable. Use an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in a room where you spend a lot of time. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and change it if required.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada also recommends taking a break from the smoke by finding a location in the community with clean, cool air such as a library, shopping mall or community centre.

“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.”

Environment and Climate Canada also asks that people check on others in their care and those who may be more susceptible to smoke.