BCHU cautions people about outdoor activities

Heavy smoke from wildfires can be harmful in low concentrations

On Wednesday the Brant County Health Unit issued a special air quality statement for Brantford-Brant. The media release stated, poor air quality, with moderate to high-risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected through most of the week locally.

AQHI levels have reached the high-risk level and are predicted to be in this range intermittently over the coming days due to smoke plumes from provincial forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec. On Thursday, the AQHI levels were expected to reach 8. When AQHI values exceed 7, it’s considered high risk.

Higher risk populations are advised to reduce or rescheduled strenuous outdoor activities. All others, not high risk, should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities if they experience coughing or throat irritation. Residents are encouraged to adjust their activities based on their personal risk level and the evolving conditions Residents who have questions about their personal risk level should consult their primary health care provider. To learn more about the health risks of air pollution, visit the Government of Canada website.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health even at low concentrations. Exposure to air pollution may cause healthy people to experience irritated eyes, increased mucus in the nose or throat, coughing or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise BCHU advises all residents to monitor the local AQHI index over the coming days.