Grey Bruce Public Health is advising residents of a special air quality statement in effect for the region.
Public health says smoke plumes from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec are expected to cause the air quality in the region to deteriorate for a second time this month.
The province’s Air Quality Health Index for Grey-Bruce is also forecasted to reach a high risk by Tuesday night due to the wildfire smoke, and remain at that level going into June 28.
Grey Bruce Public Health recommends for those at-risk, which includes people with heart or breathing problems, to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly are also advised to take it easy.
For those who are not at risk, public health recommends similarly reducing or rescheduling strenuous actives outdoors if experiencing symptoms like coughing and throat irritation.
Additionally, it is recommended residents limit their exposure to the harmful wildfire smoke by keeping windows and doors closed, utilizing recirculation settings on HVAC systems, installing clean, high-quality air filters, using air purifiers, and seeking refuge at community centres, libraries, and shopping malls, and also drink plenty of water.
Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra says, “Grey Bruce Public Health in 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.”
Public health adds Environment & Climate Change Canada anticipates the air quality condition to improve for some part of the province June 28, with the high risk also expected to transition to moderate the night of June 28.
