KENORA — Across Northwestern Ontario, the public is being urged to limit time outdoors due to "extremely high levels of air pollution."
The poor air quality is being caused by smoke from forest fires in the Prairies, according to an air quality warning issued by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario Tuesday morning.
The warning extends from east of Marathon — including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg — west to the Manitoba border and extends as far north as to include communities like Wunnumin Lake, Muskrat Dam and Deer Lake.
Poor air quality is expected to persist through Thursday for most areas, according to the updated warning, extending the expected duration.
The warning recommends that people in the region stay indoors, keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
Health risks increase as smoke levels increase, cautions Environment Canada.
"You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough," reads the warning.
Anyone who thinks they are having a medical emergency is urged to seek immediate medical assistance.
It's recommended to check in on others who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
"People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms."
For anyone who must spend time outdoors, wearing a mask is recommended. "A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke."
More information is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke or airqualityontario.com.
