Air Quality

• Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
• People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
• Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintain a supply of necessary medications at home; always carry these medications with you during wildfire season.
• At risk populations should stay indoors if they have conditions that could be exacerbated from wildfire smoke.
• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell.
• Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

How to limit exposure to wildfire smoke:

• Keep windows and doors closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
• Use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering.
• Use a clean, good quality air filter in ventilation systems.
• You may choose to use an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration to remove smoke from your home/workplace.
• Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air such as community centres, libraries, and shopping malls.
• Drink plenty of water to help your body cope with the smoke.
• If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. 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.
• If working outdoors, consult with your supervisor or occupational health and safety representative for information on working safely outdoors.
• Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.

Symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

• Headaches
• A mild cough
• Production of phlegm
• Sore and watery eyes
• Nose, throat, and sinus irritation

You can typically manage these symptoms without medical intervention.

More serious symptoms of smoke exposure include:

• Dizziness
• Chest pains
• Severe cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (including asthma attacks)
• Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)

Less commonly, exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Premature death

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider or seek urgent medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.

Resources

• Visit airqualityontario.com for current and forecast AQHI values.
• If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit the Wellness Together Canada's website.
• Learn about wildfire smoke events, the effects of wildfire smoke on your health, and how to protect yourself.
• Wildfire smoke 101: Wildfire smoke and your health
• Fact sheet: Face masks for wildfire smoke

To monitor your local conditions and subscribe to alerts:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
• Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)

The AQHI is a tool that helps us understand our local air quality and what it means to our health.

It measures common air pollutants known to cause health problems and provides a AQHI rating from 1 to 10, depending on the potential health risk of the air pollution level.

The higher the AQHI, the greater the health risk.

How can I use the AQHI?

Before heading outdoors, check your local AQHI forecast.

• Plan outdoor activities during times when the air quality is better.
• If you or someone you know has health problems and is sensitive to air pollution, pay attention to the health messages for at risk population.

*Unsure if you are at risk? Consult this health guide to help you determine if you are at risk from air pollution. People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada, provide AQHI forecasts for the Province of Ontario. Special Air Quality Statements and Smog and Air Health Advisories are issued jointly.

• Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) are issued when the air quality is forecast to be high risk for one to two hours.
• Smog and Air Health Advisory (SAHA) are issued when the air quality is forecast to be high risk for three hours or more.

Subscribe to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks air quality alerts.

Resources

• Air Quality Ontario
• Health Effects of Air Pollution - Health Canada

The 20/20 Planner - A practical guide to cutting energy use at home and on the road by 20 per cent

Indoor air quality resources

• Air quality in your home - Canadian Lung Association
• Improve indoor air quality in your home - Health Canada

It is important for every homeowner to test their home for radon, regardless of where they live. Radon levels can vary, even between homes on the same street. Since radon has no colour, odour, or taste, the only way to know your exposure level is to test for radon.

Radon is easy to test for and kits are available online and in stores. To get a more accurate picture of radon levels in your home, test for a minimum of three months over the winter, when you are less likely to have open windows.

Learn more about radon testing.

Buy an approved radon test kit online.

• Find a certified radon mitigation contractor
• Take Action on Radon