Peterborough Public Health Reports High Risk Level Air Quality Due to Ongoing Forest Fires
/On Monday, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has advised residents to take precaution as outdoor air quality remains at the high risk level due to ongoing forest fires.
photo courtesy of peterborough public health, facebook.
Smoke from forest fires throughout the province and from Quebec is present in the air in the region. Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. PPH is advising everyone to take action to reduce their exposure to smoke.
People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by forest fire smoke.
Those who are at higher risk of health complications due to air pollution are advised to:
Avoid going outdoors altogether, especially for prolonged periods
Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, which carry a significant risk of making underlying medical conditions worse
Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box
Wear a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) at all times when outdoors
Other community members are advised to:
Reduce time spent outdoors
Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box
Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors, particularly for prolonged periods
