Protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke: Update – June 3, 2023

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality statement for:

• Greater Sudbury and Vicinity
• West Nipissing, French River
• Markstay-Warren, St. Charles
• Gogama, Foleyet
• Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake
• Espanola, Massey, Killarney
• Manitoulin Island

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires over Quebec will result in deteriorated air quality today.  Public Health would like to remind residents of the health effects of forest fire (wildfire) smoke and how to protect yourself.

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plant materials. The smoke releases many contaminants into the air, such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.

Wildfire smoke can impact your health even at very low levels.

Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposures and will not suffer long-term consequences. However, older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who smoke, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may experience more severe short-term, as well as long-term chronic symptoms from smoke exposure.

Milder and more common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.

More serious symptoms include dizziness, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, severe cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and asthma attacks.

Check-in on neighbours, loved ones, and people who are in your care who may be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Advise them how to protect themselves and seek help if needed.

If you are concerned about your risk or symptoms, call Telehealth at 1.866.797.0000 for medical advice or visit a health care provider. In emergencies, dial 911.

If you are at-risk or experiencing symptoms:

• Stop, reduce, or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
• Drink plenty of water to help your body cope.
• Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
• If the temperature is comfortable, keep windows closed indoors and in vehicles. Use the recirculation setting on air-conditioners and HVAC systems to prevent smoke from entering.
• Take care of your mental health during smoke events.
• Follow your health care provider’s advice about managing your condition.

For more information, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) to speak to a public health inspector, visit www.phsd.ca, or visit the Environment and Climate Change Canada website at www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.