Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warning for Windsor-Essex

Environment Canada advises residents to limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

Environment Canada has issued an Orange warning for Windsor-Essex, advising air quality is expected to deteriorate throughout the day due to wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario. The Orange warning issued Wednesday morning encompasses Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. Environment Canada warns poor air quality may persist into Friday.

The agency issues an Orange warning when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Environment Canada advises residents to limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. Heavy smoke conditions can pose a health risk to individuals regardless of age or health status, the agency said.

During air quality warnings, residents may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, according to Air Quality Ontario. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Anyone who believes they are experiencing a medical emergency is advised to seek immediate medical assistance.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition and people who work outdoors. Air Quality Ontario advises those individuals to avoid strenuous activities outdoors. When indoors, the agency advises residents to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, residents should prioritize keeping cool. To protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Air Quality Ontario recommends using the highest quality air filter the residence’s ventilation system can handle or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. If an individual must spend time outdoors, MECP recommends a well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95 to reduce exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.

Even though exposure may be reduced, the agency says there can still be risks to health. Air Quality Ontario advises residents to check in on others who are in their care or who live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, and to follow guidance from local authorities. Further information about air quality in Ontario is available through Air Quality Ontario at https://www.airqualityontario.com .

Residents can also contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666. More information about wildfire smoke and ways to protect health is available through the Government of Canada at https://www.canada.ca/wildfire-smoke . Residents can also visit http://www.airhealth.ca to access current and forecast Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values.

phogue@postmedia.com