Environment Canada Air Quality Alert

USPA NEWS - A wildfire near the Long Lake area of Annapolis County is generating smoke that is reducing air quality in Lunenburg County and the Halifax area. This afternoon, smoke plumes are anticipated to settle in Kings and Hants Counties following a forecasted wind shift.

Environment Canada reports that winds will be light westerly, becoming southwesterly at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 this morning. An Air Quality Statement is in effect for Halifax, Lunenburg, Kings, and Hants Counties.

With increasing smoke levels, health risks rise. Minimize outdoor time. Consider rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

When indoors, maintain closed windows and doors to the greatest extent possible. During periods of poor air quality, prioritize heat mitigation. Safeguard your indoor air quality from wildfire smoke by utilizing a clean, high-quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner capable of filtering fine particles.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 mask) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.

At-risk populations include children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, respiratory, or cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms such as coughing, asthma exacerbations, allergies, arrhythmia, or chest pain may become more severe.

Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. Always follow guidance from local authorities.