With wildfires already burning in some parts of the country, Health Canada is reminding people of the importance of being prepared for wildfire smoke and poor air quality. And what better day to discuss that than today, which is Clean Air Day.

Maureen Robinson, Health Canada’s Air Quality and Health Specialist for the Atlantic Region, says the effect differs from person to person. Symptoms include headache and eye, nose, throat and sinus irritation. Sometimes hospital treatment is required such as when a person becomes dizzy or has heart palpitations.

There was a large number of air quality alerts last year because of the abundance of wildfires in Canada including the ones in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Robinson recommends paying close attention to the Air Quality Health Index because everyone is at some level of risk due to smoke exposure.

It can cause health effects even at very low levels. However, Robinson says those at high risk include people with underlying health issues, those who work outdoors or engage in strenuous activities, and anyone who is pregnant.