As smoke from the wildfires in western Canada billows into northwestern Ontario this long weekend, the Northwestern Health Unit is asking the public to take precautions to ensure that the most vulnerable won’t be affected.
The fires have sent smoke to the east, affecting a number of provinces and U.S. states.
"We’re looking at some of the Environment Canada weather projections and looks like some smoke will be heading in our region over the weekend,” health unit health promoter Stephanie Charles said.
Charles said that particulate matter from forest fires can travel great distances through the air, causing health effects on those that are vulnerable such as children, people who are elderly or pregnant, those with lung conditions, and anyone who does outdoor physically demanding work.
Breathing in the smoky air may cause can cause respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath throat irritation, and headaches, according to Charlies.
“We just want people to watch out for their friends and family over the weekend,” said Charles.
If a friend or family member is experiencing respiratory symptoms, the main thing Charles advises is to get “them into some better air quality.”
“It would be good to shut your windows, shut your doors, and put your furnace on recirculate. Also, change your furnace filter if you haven’t done so already just so it’s working efficiently,” said Charles.
Charles also suggests going to public buildings that have commercial air circulation such as libraries, museums, and theatres.
If respiratory symptoms continue to worsen, Charles states, particularly with asthma, take their medication as prescribed, and call a healthcare provider.
