Air quality statements have been issued for the Algoma district due to the number of active forest fires in northwstern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.
While air quality is expected to improve late Monday, Algoma Public Health is warning residents that wildfire smoke can be harmful to health and aggravate heart or lung conditions.
In a statement on its website, APH outlines the common, mild symptoms of smoke exposure:
- Sore and watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Scratchy throat
- Mild coughing
- Headache
Those at higher risk may experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe wheezing or coughing
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations.
Anyone with these severe symptoms should seek medical care, APH says.
Those most at risk are children, elderly people, pregnant women, anyone with a heart or lung condition, anyone doing strenuous exercise or work.
Here are some other ways to reduce your risk during possible wildfire smoke exposure:
- Limit or avoid outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities
- At home and in vehicles, keep your windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate
- If you have asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems use your medication as prescribed by your doctor, and seek medical care if needed
- Note: wearing a cloth or medical mask helps prevent infection from COVID-19, but these masks do not provide protection from wildfire smoke