Special air quality statements and smog warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for many regions in Ontario and Québec, among other provinces and territories.
People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
Stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke, says an alert for Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans, dated June 7.
Patients are encouraged to monitor alerts and forecasts and take precautions if necessary.
Helpful resources
- Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
- Outdoor Air Pollution (Ottawa Public Health)
- Air Pollution Considerations (University of Ottawa Heart Institute)
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca