The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Air Quality Health Index has moved to high risk due to smoke from ongoing forest fires.
“The current smoke plumes from forest fires throughout Ontario and Quebec are leading to worsening air quality, moving the air quality health index to high risk,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health at the health unit. “For those who may be at risk due to other health reasons, we are advising you to please prioritize your health by reducing your exposure.”
Public health officials use the Air Quality Health Index, which uses data from 39 air monitoring stations that collect real-time air pollution data, and report on key pollutants that are indicators of overall outdoor air quality.
The health unit recommends you reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if experiencing symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. At higher risk of health problems are those with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant women, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.