Air Quality Statement for Simcoe Muskoka

08 June 2023

A Special Air Quality Statement (SAQS) has been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for Simcoe and Muskoka. The Penetanguishene Public Library is available during their regular business hours if you find you need relief temporarily with clean, cool air.  Visit their website for more information: www.penetanguishene.library.on.ca

High levels of air pollution have developed throughout Simcoe Muskoka due to smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario. Poor air quality will persist into the weekend. 

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. 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.
 
Continue to take actions to protect health and reduce exposure to smoke:

  • People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
  • Maintaining good hydration can help individuals cope with the smoke.
  • Stop or reduce activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone you care for feels unwell. Stay indoors and contact a    health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains or if you need advice.
  • Keep indoor air clean.
  • Keep doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
  • Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. Avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.
  • Set the HVAC system to recirculate air constantly.  Choose an air filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, rating of 13 or higher.
  • Air purifiers with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter can be used to improve indoor air quality. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and change it if required. For more information visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/using-portable-air-cleaner-wildfire-smoke.html.
  • For individuals who must be active 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 exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important reduce or stop activities if symptoms develop.    
  • Check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.

For more information visit: Wildfire Smoke and Health (simcoemuskokahealth.org)

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