Smoke from the wildfires in Nova Scotia is expected to cause reduced air quality and visibility in some areas of the province today, prompting a warning from federal officials.
Environment Canada says residents of the Connaigre, Burin and southern Avalon peninsulas may experience reduced air quality from smoke moving in from Nova Scotia on southwesterly winds.
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke can be harmful to a person’s health, even at low concentrations, and they are encouraging people in affected areas to take action to reduce their exposure.
People with asthma or other lung diseases, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant women and people who work outdoors are at higher risk.
Environment Canada advises that you stop or reduce activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you, or someone in your care, starts to feel unwell.
If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
