There is currently no need to modify any usual activities due to the air quality unless one is considered ‘at risk’.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) would like to reassure residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Northumberland County that the outdoor air quality health index or ‘haze’ caused by the ongoing forest fires is considered moderate risk.
Currently forest fires throughout Ontario and Quebec are causing a ‘haze’ within the region that will continue to occur over the next few days. Public health officials refer to the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to show the health risk associated with the air pollution we breathe. The following AQHI table is presented on a scale of 1 to 10+ with four health risk categories providing health messages for ‘at risk’ individuals and the general population.
“The Air Quality Health Index is designed to tell us about the associated health risks caused by local air pollution such as wildfire smoke events that we are seeing today and for the next several days,” said Bernie Mayer, Manager of Health Protection for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Currently, we are sitting at a moderate level where the majority of the population does not need to modify any usual activities.”
For those considered ‘at risk’ of health complications due to increased air pollution please:
• Consider reducing your time spent outdoors
• Avoid strenuous activities that could make pre-existing medical conditions worse.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
