How to mitigate effects of wildfire smoke, poor air quality in Windsor, Chatham and Sarnia

How to mitigate effects of wildfire smoke, poor air quality in Windsor, Chatham and Sarnia

Southwestern Ontario is under an orange level air quality warning

You can smell it. You can taste it. You can even see its haziness under street lights or by how it blocks or awkwardly reflects the sunlight.

Wildfire smoke from northern Ontario has made its way down to the southwest — including Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.

As a result, the region is under an orange level air quality warning.

As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Ontario’s Air Quality Health Index lists our region at a level of 10, for high or very high risk. This information is communicated as hourly concentrations of each pollutant.

Across the river from Windsor, Detroit, Mich., had the worst air quality in the world as of 8 a.m., according to the Air Quality Index website. The index is an international system for translating pollutant concentration measurements.

You can share what you’re experiencing by sending us an email to windsor@cbc.ca. Include a picture of how things look from where you are.

Environment Canada says regardless of someone’s age or health status, everyone’s at risk during heavy smoke conditions like this.

The federal weather agency is telling people to limit their time outdoors and to reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” the air quality warning statement included.

Heat, wildfire smoke combine to create dangerous conditions across southwestern Ontario

“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”

People over 65, pregnant people, children and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions are also more likely to be impacted by the smoke in the air.

Southwestern Ontario under air quality warnings as smoke from wildfires blankets region

According to Environment Canada, when indoors it’s important to keep all windows and doors closed as much as possible.

“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.”

If it’s imperative you must be outside, officials recommend a properly worn respirator-type masks that can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke.

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh is the medical officer of health for the health unit. He echoes the advice from Environment Canada, and adds that those with underlying health conditions should take extra precautions.

"On a day like today, I would recommend to people who have underlying diseases like respiratory diseases, cardiac diseases, or any other diseases to talk to their healthcare provider to make sure that they take all of the precautionary measures to prevent any hospitalization," Aloosh told CBC News.

Aloosh said that people can still factor in their regular routines.

"I recommend our community do exercise, but modified exercise indoors,"he said. "With doors and windows closed the risk is really low."

Windsor health provider closes because of air quality

The Windsor Family Health Team is closed Thursday.

The primary health-care provider says it is shut down because of poor air quality inside the office.

"As a result, we are unable to operate safely, and all appointments scheduled for today have been cancelled," the office said in an online statement.

Patients with appointments will be contacted at a later time to reschedule.

"We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue."

Some local municipalities like Windsor, LaSalle and Chatham-Kent have cancelled services and outdoor activities, including pools, while reminding residents municipal centres remain open for relief.

Detroit's mayor and chief public health officer are urging citizens to take precautions because of the poor air quality that's swept in from ongoing wildfires in Canada.

"Detroit is experiencing the most significant effects from the wildfires and we strongly encourage all residents to take this issue seriously," said Mayor Mary Sheffield.

"Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality that can affect everyone, particularly people with underlying health conditions," said Detroit's chief public health officer and director Ali Abazeed.

"We are closely monitoring conditions and working directly with departments across the city to provide timely updates and guidance to help keep Detroit residents safe."