Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) for parts of southwestern Ontario, including London and Middlesex County, due to wildfire smoke. Smoke from forest fires is expected to continue to affect much of southern Ontario today, and may persist into Monday. Wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. SAQS are issued when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) has the potential to reach the high-risk category (AQHI between 7 and 10).

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 reduce the potential for respiratory issues caused by reduced air quality, consider:

• Reducing outdoor activities if you have lung disease, such as asthma or heart disease; or if you are an older adult, young child, or are pregnant.
• Going indoors if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing including asthma attacks, severe cough, dizziness or chest pain.
• Taking a break from activities if you do not have access to a space with proper ventilation or move to a public space such as a library, shopping mall or community centre.
• Checking in on people who may be more susceptible to bad air quality.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Listening to your body and reducing or stopping activities if you experience breathing difficulties or other symptoms.
• Contacting your healthcare provider if you have symptoms and they do not improve.
• Being aware of your mental health. Feeling anxious or isolated during an event such as this is normal.

For a list of London Public Libary locations, where residents can seek filtered air visit: https://www.lpl.ca/using-library/hours-locations

For a list of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can seek filtered air, visit: https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations.