As wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality across the region, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is encouraging residents to protect their family and their health by reducing their exposure to wildfire smoke.
Wildfire activity continues across Northwestern Ontario, and smoke conditions may affect communities throughout the Thunder Bay District—even when fires are not nearby. While wildfire risk varies by community, smoke levels can change rapidly, and residents are encouraged to monitor local conditions and take steps to protect their health.
While anyone can experience health effects from wildfire smoke, some people are at greater risk, including infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions. People who work outdoors, and those who are unhoused or have limited access to cleaner indoor air are also at greater risk for short-term and long-term health effects.
"Wildfire smoke can affect everyone differently, and you don't have to see or smell smoke to be exposed to harmful particles," said Dr. Greg Holzman, TBDHU’s Medical Officer of Health and CEO. "Wildfire conditions can vary across the district, but poor air quality can affect communities even when wildfires are many kilometres away. Reducing your exposure, improving your indoor air, and checking in on those who may be more vulnerable are simple steps that can help protect health during air quality events."
Reduce Your Exposure
The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Residents are encouraged to:
- Limit time outdoors when smoke levels are high.
- Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and heavy labour.
- Move activities indoors whenever possible.
- Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
- Wear a well-fitting NIOSH-approved N95 respirator (or equivalent) if you must be outside.
Keep Indoor Air as Clean as Possible
Take steps to protect yourself before symptoms develop, as wildfire smoke can affect your health even if you don’t feel unwell. Spending more time in cleaner indoor air can reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.
At home:
- Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
- If temperatures become dangerously hot, prioritize staying cool while taking steps to reduce smoke exposure.
- Use air conditioning and set the system to recirculate indoor air, if available.
- Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if available.
If your home becomes too warm or too smoky spend time in a cleaner, air-conditioned public space such as a library or community centre.
Monitor Conditions Wildfire smoke conditions can change rapidly. Stay informed by checking:
- The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
- Environment and Climate Change Canada weather forecasts and alerts.
- Ontario's Interactive Forest Fire Map.
- TBDHU's outdoor air quality information at www.tbdhu.com/outdoorair.
Knowing when conditions are expected to change can help you plan activities and reduce smoke exposure.
Know When to Seek Medical Care
Wildfire smoke can cause eye irritation, a runny nose, sore throat, headache, and cough. Seek medical care if you develop difficulty breathing, worsening asthma symptoms, chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, or a severe or persistent cough.
Anyone experiencing signs of a medical emergency should call 911 immediately.
Check In on Others
Check on family, friends, neighbours, and others who may be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic medical conditions.
For more information on protecting your health during wildfire smoke events, including current air quality resources, visit: www.tbdhu.com/outdoorair.