Air Quality Alert in Effect for Grimsby and Niagara Region

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the Niagara Region for July 31.

Due to smoke from forest fires over the Prairies continuing to affect Southern Ontario, expect poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout the day.

The conditions can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

Increasing smoke levels increase health risks. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and consider reducing time outdoors and rescheduling outdoor sports/activities and events.

Please note:

• You may experience mild and 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 severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
• People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, 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 activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

Tips   

• When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
• 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 respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
• Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
• Always follow guidance from local authorities.

Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information.

Stay informed with real-time updates by subscribing to Environment Canada alerts: https://weather.gc.ca/