Health Unit: Outdoor Air Quality in much of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Region will cause Health Risks

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) For Our Region As of 2 PM June 6 is High Health Risk!

Brockville – The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is warning residents that outdoor air quality in much of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Region will cause Health Risks as the wave of smoke from forest fires in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec continues in our region.

In a media release posted yesterday, the Health Unit says “Elevated levels of air pollution are expected due to smoke from forest fires burning in Ontario and Quebec. The poor air quality will continue in some areas until at least Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) which is monitored from stations in Kingston, Ottawa, and Cornwall for our region says that we are in an index of 7-10 High Health Risk as of 2 PM on June 6, 2023

“Health Risk for At-Risk Population (People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.): Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. Health Risk for General Population: Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.”

You can check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the closest air quality monitoring station (Kingston, Ottawa, and Cornwall) to see what the current outdoor air quality is.

The Air Quality Health Index can change quickly so check it regularly. Use the table below to guide your actions and see what the health messages are for the general population and people who are considered at greater risk for negative health consequences.

The Health Unit went on to say that forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, and people who work or exercise outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing negative health effects caused by forest fire smoke. Avoid forest fire smoke by doing the following:

• Limit outdoor activities. If you have difficulty breathing, reduce your activities or stop altogether. Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors.
• Stay cool and drink lots of water to help your body cope with the smoke.
• Check-in on others who may be more vulnerable to air pollution.
• Prevent outdoor air from getting into your home by:
  • Keeping windows and doors sealed.
  • Installing a high-quality air filter in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to remove air pollution from incoming air. Set the HVAC system to recirculation mode.
  • Limit the use of exhaust fans when not cooking.
• Avoid sources of indoor air pollution:
  • Smoking
  • Burning incense and candles
  • Vacuuming
  • Using wood stoves
  • Using cleaning products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• For those with lung or heart disease, ensure that you have the medication you need to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

For more information, see these websites:

• Protecting your health from wildfire smoke
• Weather alerts for Canada
• Sign up for air quality alert email notifications
• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit – Air Quality