Wildfire smoke can impact everyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable to health issues.
NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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Simcoe Muskoka is currently under its first air quality alert this year due to wildfires in northern Ontario. Wildfire smoke can travel vast distances and affect areas far away from the fires. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit advises residents to take precautions against exposure to wildfire smoke, recognize symptoms of smoke-related illnesses, and know when to seek medical attention. Inhaling wildfire smoke can harm your health. Try to limit your time outdoors and steer clear of heavy physical activity when the air quality is bad. Stay updated by checking air quality alerts and monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which can assist you in making health-related decisions. Hot weather often coincides with poor air quality since pollution levels usually rise during extreme heat events. Extreme heat can lead to serious illness. When both a heat warning and an air quality warning are issued, it’s advisable for most people to focus on staying cool. If you must go outside, think about wearing a properly fitted respirator like an N95 or similar mask to lessen your exposure to wildfire smoke. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors when it’s comfortable outside, using a portable HEPA air purifier, and setting your home’s ventilation system to recirculate mode. Minimize indoor pollutants by avoiding smoking or vaping, burning candles or incense, using wood stoves, and utilizing products that emit strong fumes. Consider spending time in public spaces with better indoor air quality like libraries, community centers or shopping malls. While driving, keep windows closed and use the recirculate feature in your vehicle. If you’re experiencing symptoms due to smoke exposure, find a place with cleaner air and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. While wildfire smoke affects everyone, some individuals face higher risks for health effects including infants and young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, those with chronic conditions like heart or lung diseases, smokers, and people who spend extensive time outdoors exercising or working. Pay close attention to how you feel as well as those around you during these air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat; it can also impact the lungs and heart. Seek medical help if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or asthma attacks, severe coughing spells, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations. Call 911 immediately if you suspect a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke. ***********************
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SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
***********************
Simcoe Muskoka is currently under its first air quality alert this year due to wildfires in northern Ontario. Wildfire smoke can travel vast distances and affect areas far away from the fires. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit advises residents to take precautions against exposure to wildfire smoke, recognize symptoms of smoke-related illnesses, and know when to seek medical attention. Inhaling wildfire smoke can harm your health. Try to limit your time outdoors and steer clear of heavy physical activity when the air quality is bad. Stay updated by checking air quality alerts and monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which can assist you in making health-related decisions. Hot weather often coincides with poor air quality since pollution levels usually rise during extreme heat events. Extreme heat can lead to serious illness. When both a heat warning and an air quality warning are issued, it’s advisable for most people to focus on staying cool. If you must go outside, think about wearing a properly fitted respirator like an N95 or similar mask to lessen your exposure to wildfire smoke. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors when it’s comfortable outside, using a portable HEPA air purifier, and setting your home’s ventilation system to recirculate mode. Minimize indoor pollutants by avoiding smoking or vaping, burning candles or incense, using wood stoves, and utilizing products that emit strong fumes. Consider spending time in public spaces with better indoor air quality like libraries, community centers or shopping malls. While driving, keep windows closed and use the recirculate feature in your vehicle. If you’re experiencing symptoms due to smoke exposure, find a place with cleaner air and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. While wildfire smoke affects everyone, some individuals face higher risks for health effects including infants and young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, those with chronic conditions like heart or lung diseases, smokers, and people who spend extensive time outdoors exercising or working. Pay close attention to how you feel as well as those around you during these air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat; it can also impact the lungs and heart. Seek medical help if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or asthma attacks, severe coughing spells, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations. Call 911 immediately if you suspect a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke. ***********************
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