4:27 AM ADT Friday 12 August 2016Special air quality statement in effect for:
Smoke associated with forest fires in the vicinity of Seven Mile Lake and Ten Mile Lake in western Nova Scotia will continue to affect portions of Annapolis, Queens, Lunenburg, Kings counties today. Reduced air quality can be expected downwind and in the vicinity of the smoke plumes. Higher pollution levels are expected to persist into Saturday.
In addition, humidex values near 35 over inland areas of mainland Nova Scotia are expected again today, and this may cause health problems for people who are vulnerable.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
4:28 AM ADT Friday 12 August 2016Special air quality statement in effect for:
Smoke associated with a forest fire near Peach Lake, south of Pictou will continue to affect parts of Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough counties today. Reduced air quality can be expected downwind of the fire and near the smoke plume.
In addition, humidex values of up to 35 are expected over inland areas today, and this combined with the smoke may cause health problems to people who are vulnerable.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
