Environment Canada, Dept. of Environment and Local Government issue warning
Smoke from wildfires burning in Quebec and elsewhere is impacting air quality and visibility in New Brunswick.
On Tuesday evening, July 14, the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government, in conjunction with Environment Canada, issued an air quality warning.
“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” reads the warning. “Smoke from distant wildfires is significantly reducing local air quality.”
The notice says the time span is from Tuesday evening, July 14, to Wednesday morning, July 15.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” the warning notes. “Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
The warning says people may experience mild, 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 a severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be affected 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 reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When an extreme heat event occurs with poor air quality, prioritize staying cool.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest-quality air filter your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that filters fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent) can reduce your exposure to fine particles in the smoke. Even with reduced exposure, there can still be health risks.
Check in on others in your care or who live nearby who may be more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
