Public Health Information – Actions to protect health on poor air quality days
June 9, 2023The past week has been very difficult for the area as well as most of the East Coast as smoke associated with Canadian wildfires has caused hazy skies, a ‘campfire’ smell and horrible air quality.
The poor air quality is especially dangerous for individuals with asthma and respiratory diseases. The North Brunswick Office of Emergency Management would like to provide information as actions to take to protect your health on poor air quality days.
- Sensitive populations (including the elderly, infants and young children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or chronic bronchitis) should remain indoors.
- People in general should avoid strenuous activities and limit the amount of time they are active outdoors.
- Take more breaks indoors if possible when working outside.
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
- Run an air conditioner while keeping the fresh-air intake closed and filter clean.
- Do not use candles and fireplaces.
- Do not rely on dust masks for protection. People who must be outside can have some protection from an N95 mask if worn properly.
A valuable resource for air quality data is www.airnow.gov. It provides air quality index readings, fire and smoke maps, along with safety tips.
Our weather service, Weather Works, advises that the recent fires in Quebec, most likely sparked from lighting, were the source of the smoke and bad air quality on the East Coast.
There may be some relief for the hardest-hit locations in Canada as much needed rain is forecasted over the next week. However, it is still early in the fire season, which lasts until late October.
North Brunswick OEM will be monitoring weather forecast and air quality this summer and update residents when conditions warrant.
