​Public health advises residents to exercise caution on days with poor air quality

Grey Bruce Public Health is advising residents and visitors to take precautions to protect their health when smoke — pushed into the area from active forest fires — impacts local air quality.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special air-quality statement, Thursday (July 31), for the Grey-Bruce area. The poor air quality is due to wildfire smoke from the Canadian prairies.

The province’s Air Quality Health Index for Grey-Bruce was forecasted to reach “high risk” during the day, before returning to “low risk,” Friday (Aug. 1).

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the health index for the area, which is measured at the Tiverton station. When the health index in Grey-Bruce reaches the high-risk level, 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 encourages residents to monitor weather alerts and forecasts related to the current air-quality situation and take steps to protect their health and the health of their loved ones,” says senior public health manager Andrew Barton.

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

Individuals who are more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution include those aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and people who work outdoors.

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 re-circulation settings on HVAC systems
• Install clean, high-quality air filters in ventilation systems
• Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters
• 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.