Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) for parts of southwestern Ontario, including London and Middlesex County. Smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario has moved into the area, causing the air quality to deteriorate.
This SAQS is coupled with the region’s Extended Heat Warning.
SAQS are issued when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) has the potential to reach the high-risk category (AQHI between 7 and 10). The region’s air quality is expected to hit the high-risk range Monday afternoon and then drop to the moderate risk range Monday evening and Tuesday.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. You may experience mild 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.
To protect yourself against the combined health risks from wildfire smoke and extreme heat:
- Limit time outdoors. Consider rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports, activities and events, especially those for older adults, younger children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition (especially heart or lung), and pregnant people.
- When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
- Listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you experience breathing difficulties or other symptoms.
- Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve.
- Use a good quality air filter in your home’s ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
- Check in on people who may be more susceptible to bad air quality.
For more information about the Air Quality Health Index, visit Air Quality Health Index - Canada.ca and Understanding Air Quality Health Index messages - Canada.ca
For more information about wildfire smoke, air quality and your health visit Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health: Overview - Canada.ca