Greater Sudbury under yellow air quality warning

Surrounding areas are under the more serious orange level warning for air quality

Greater Sudbury and vicinity is under a yellow warning for air quality. Some surrounding areas, including Espanola, Killarney and Manitoulin Island, are also currently under an orange warning for air quality. Yellow warnings, which involve weather that may cause moderate damage, disruption or health impacts, are less serious than the uncommon orange warning.

Sudbury's air quality is currently listed by Air Quality Ontario as 10+, or very high risk, but it's supposed to clear up this evening to low risk. Environment Canada said smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Conditions are expected to improve late today or tonight.

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. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. Always follow guidance from local authorities.

Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke. For further information visit the website airqualityontario.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666. Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Issued by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario.