Air Quality Alert issued as Heat Warning continues in Quinte

Excessive heat and poor air quality are both causing issues across the Quinte Region on Wednesday. The Heat Warning issued earlier in the week has bee...

Excessive heat and poor air quality are both causing issues across the Quinte Region on Wednesday. The Heat Warning issued earlier in the week has been extended for Wednesday, with another day with a high at or above 30 degrees (current forecast calling for a high of 30/33). In addition, the presence of wildfire smoke in the region has resulted in Environment Canada issuing an Air Quality Warning.

It is included below. AIR QUALITY ALERT – Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.

Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.

More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, 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.

When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.

Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.