Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility over the next few days. Smoke may continue to affect the area Friday, June 6 and into the weekend.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour and impact sites differently.
Outdoor activities may continue for now although we will continue to monitor air quality carefully over the coming weeks.
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. Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feels unwell.
As per the guidance from Environment Canada and to maximize the efficiency of the board’s ventilation systems, the following recommendations are in place for schools:
Schools with Air Conditioning: Consider closing windows and running your A/C units in addition to HEPA units.
Schools without Air Conditioning: Consider closing exterior windows and running HEPA units continuously. HEPA units are designed to remove particulate matter and will enhance existing ventilation measures especially if the units are run on high during the unoccupied hours. As temperatures increase, schools may be required to open windows to regulate temperatures. Note that in these cases, HEPA filters are not as effective.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
For current AQHI readings:
www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/today.php?sites=28028
For forecasts:
weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-031_e.html
Updates:
Alerts for: Guelph - Erin - Southern Wellington County - Environment Canada
Alerts for : Orangeville, Dufferin County - Environment Canada