A special air quality statement remains in effect for Chatham-Kent, as wildfire smoke continues to impact the region, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Environment Canada issued the alert Monday, warning that smoke from forest fires burning in northern Ontario has drifted south into the area. The agency said the air quality could remain poor through the day and may persist into Tuesday for some areas.
“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” the statement said. “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit echoed the warning, noting that wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.
People with lung or heart disease, older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those who work outdoors are particularly at risk and should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, and chest pain. Residents are advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms.
Officials recommend staying indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed to maintain indoor air quality. Those who use air purifiers are encouraged to use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and avoid devices that produce ozone. When poor air quality coincides with extreme heat, authorities advise prioritizing efforts to stay cool.
For residents who must be outdoors, wearing a well-fitted NIOSH-certified N95 respirator can help reduce exposure to harmful fine particulate matter in the smoke, although it does not filter out toxic gases.
Health authorities also encourage checking in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours, and to be mindful of mental health during prolonged smoke events.
Residents can visit airhealth.ca or canada.ca/wildfire-smoke for up-to-date air quality information and safety recommendations.
Environment Canada and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to stay informed through local alerts and forecasts.
