Smoke from western Canada wildfires is impacting air quality across Ontario and Québec, among other provinces and territories. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special air quality statements for multiple regions, including Ottawa-Gatineau and surrounding areas.
People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of health effects due to wildfire smoke exposure.
If you or someone in your care experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe coughing, dizziness, or chest pain, stop outdoor activity and contact your healthcare provider. Stay indoors and limit physical exertion, especially if you are feeling unwell.
If you must be outside, wearing a well-fitted respirator mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent) that seals tightly to the face can help reduce your exposure to harmful fine particles in smoke.
Patients with heart conditions are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local air quality reports and alerts, and to take precautions as needed.
More information about wildfire smoke is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Other helpful resources
- CBC Ottawa - Air quality alerts issued across Ottawa area as wildfire smoke drifts east
- Ottawa Public Health – Outdoor Air Pollution
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca