Air Quality Update for the Ottawa Region – June 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m.
OPH continues to monitor the air quality impacts caused by the wildfire smoke in the region. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the air quality health index (AQHI) for Wednesday June 7 is forecast to be Very High Risk for the Ottawa region for most of the day. Please avoid strenuous activity outdoors and follow the ECCC health recommendations below. Some people are at a higher risk of health problems when exposed to air pollution.
Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.
Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
*People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.
OPH recommendations based on the current Special Air Quality Statement for the City of Ottawa when the AQHI reading for Ottawa is High or Very High Risk:
Continue to monitor Ottawa’s Air Quality Index for up-to-date information.
It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
Avoid strenuous outdoor work, exercise, and playtime. If you must be outside, try to schedule your activities when pollution levels are lowest.
Stay indoors in a cool, well-ventilated place and plan indoor activities for children.
Keep your indoor air clean:
Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
If you have one, use an air purifier with a High Efficicy Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in a room where you spend a lot time. Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone. Check the filter and change it if required.
For more information on building a portable air filter visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/using-portable-air-cleaner-wildfire-smoke.html.
Use a well-fitted respirator type mask when outdoors (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, if you have one. They can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke when you are outdoors.
If you experience symptoms such as tightness in your chest, wheezing, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice and seek medical attention if needed.
Be aware of your mental health. It is normal to feel anxious or isolated during a smoke event. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/mental-health.aspx or https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca.
City-wide impacts and updates related to the ongoing air quality issues can be found on ottawa.ca.
Ottawa Public Health encourages you to share this information with your respective networks. We also encourage you to invite your networks to follow our Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels for up-to-date information and resources on how to protect yourself from poor outdoor air quality.