A Special Air Quality Statement has been declared by Grey-Bruce Public Health.
Due to ongoing smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario and Quebec, air quality in the Grey-Bruce region is expected to deteriorate heading into Tuesday evening and last into Wednesday, June 28.
-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.
Environment & Climate Change Canada anticipates that air quality conditions will improve for some parts of Ontario on June 28.
“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,” said Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra.
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.
