Air quality alert issued for Hamilton due to Ontario forest fires

Forest fires in Southeastern Ontario and Quebec are causing potentially high levels of air pollution in Hamilton and the surrounding areas.

An air quality advisory from Environment Canada issued on Tuesday afternoon explains that smoke plumes from the wildfires may result in deteriorating air quality in Hamilton throughout much of this week. 

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” reads a message from Environment Canada. 

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.”

Measures individuals can take to protect themselves include keeping indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and using a HEPA air purifier if available. 

Those who must spend time outside can make use of a well-fitted respirator mask such as an N95 that can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke that are most hazardous to your health. 

Individuals at higher risk of health effects caused by wildfire smoke include those with lung or heart disease, pregnant people, older adults, children, and people who work outdoors. 

Read the full advisory from Environment Canada here. 

Share post

Tags

• Advisory
• air quality
• city
• Climate Change
• environment
• Environment Canada
• forest fire
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Ontario
• warning
• weather
• wildfire