Wildfire smoke triggers special air quality statement for Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia region
The smoke is coming from fires in northern Ontario
Smoke from northern Ontario forest fires will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and the Sarnia area Monday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The weather office has issued a special air quality statement for the regions.
It initially issued the alert only for the Sarnia area but updated it shortly after 10:30 a.m. Monday to include Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
The poor air quality may persist through the day and possibly into Tuesday for some areas, it said.
The agency is urging people to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
Anyone who thinks they are having a medical emergency should seek immediate medical assistance.
Advice for protecting indoor air quality
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution include 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.
When indoors, people should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, the weather office said.
They can protect their indoor air from wildfire smoke by using a clean, good quality air filter in their ventilation systems and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If they must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly-worn respirator-type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, can reduce exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
However there can still be risks to health.
Sarnia is also currently under a heat warning.
When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, the weather office said people should prioritize keeping cool.
They should also check in on others who are in their care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.