Air quality statement lifted for North Bay, West Nipissing area
UPDATE:
Environment and Climate Change Canada has lifted the air quality statement in effect for North Bay, West Nipissing, Powassan, Mattawa and French River areas as of 8:15 p.m. Saturday.
According to Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks North Bay’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) as of 8 p.m. was 3.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an air quality statement for the North Bay, West Nipissing, Powassan, Mattawa and French River areas due to smoke from wildfires in Ontario.
“High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires is expected to continue this morning,” said the ECCC in a statement Saturday morning.
“Conditions are expected to improve from west to east today.”
Visibility and air quality due to smoke plumes can change dramatically in only a short time or when travelling a short distance – officials recommend caution.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
The statement come less than 24 hours after the region was under a tornado warning due to a severe thunderstorm passing through the area.
In the statement, ECCC reminds area residents of the potential health effects of wildfire smoke and how to stay protected.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke,” reads the statement.
“Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.”
How can you protect yourself from forest fire smoke?
Recently, a northern public health authority offered the following tips to protect one’s self from wildfire smoke:
- Stay inside with windows and doors shut.
- Use the recycle or recirculate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
- Avoid cooking and vacuuming, as they can increase pollutants indoors.
- Avoid physical exertion. Stop, reduce, or reschedule strenuous activities.
- People who have asthma should follow their asthma management plan.
- Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathe through a warm, wet washcloth to help relieve dryness.
- Keep at least a 5-day supply of medication on hand.
- Contact your doctor if you have chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for people with chronic lung or heart disease and for people who have not been previously diagnosed with such diseases. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of illness.
- As a risk reduction measure, if you need to go outside, a well-fitted respirator-type mask, such as an N95, can help reduce your health risk. However, masks may not fully protect you from poor air quality.
According to public health, most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not suffer long-term consequences. However, they advise that older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who smoke, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may experience more severe short-term, as well as long-term chronic symptoms from exposure to smoke.
You can monitor North Bay’s current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ recommendations here. The AQHI is presented on a scale of 1 to 10+ to communicate health risks. A scale of 1 to 3 means low health risk, 4 to 6 is moderate risk, 7 to 10 is high health risk and above 10 is considered a very high health risk.
As of noon Saturday the AQHI for North Bay was 5.
For more information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, visit www.airhealth.ca and continue to monitor air quality alerts with the ECCC.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.