How to protect yourself from poor air quality due to Ontario wildfires

Residents in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are experiencing the effects of poor air quality as out-of-control wildfires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec persist Wednesday.

Many people have taken to social media saying the forest fire smoke polluting the air is causing difficulty breathing, headaches, coughing, and eye and throat irritation.

My granddaughter called last night. She’s in grade one. When I asked how school was, she said she didn’t like recess because her eyes hurt and it was hard to breath. I told her to keep a mask in her pocket. Why are schools sending kids outside?#onstorm #Ottawa #smoke #wildfires pic.twitter.com/3f1lecUK91

— Meh 😒 (@PetitPoulet75) June 7, 2023

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Wednesday morning encouraging people in the GTHA to shut their doors and windows and avoid outdoor activities.

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” the federal agency said in the statement.

“Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.”

It says people with lung disease or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

READ MORE: Hamilton under special air quality statement due to wildfire smoke

Hamilton, Burlington, Milton and Oakville ranked seven out of 10 on Ontario’s air quality health index Wednesday, putting residents at a “high risk.”

The wildfire smoke from northeastern Ontario and Quebec has also prompted cities in southern Ontario to cancel outdoor events and prohibit campfires.

Fire departments in Burlington, Hamilton and St. Catharines issued a city-wide fire ban, which includes properties with approved burn permits. Fireworks over Niagara Falls Wednesday night have also been paused.

READ MORE: HWDSB keeping students inside for recess as air quality decreases

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has decided to keep students inside for recess Wednesday as the air quality risk increases due to the smoke.

All sports activities have also been cancelled for the HWDSB and Halton District School Board. However, track and field events for elementary school students in the Halton Catholic District School Board will continue as scheduled.

How to protect yourself from poor air quality

Environment Canada has shared a number of recommendations to protect your health and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

The federal agency says residents should take a break from the smoke by finding a place with clean, cool air such as a community centre, shopping mall or library.

Those indoors are encouraged to turn on their air conditioner and use an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

For residents who must spend time outside, Environment Canada suggests wearing a well-fitted respirator mask such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator.

“However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms,” Environment Canada said.

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains.