Smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario and eastern Manitoba has prompted Environment Canada to issue special air quality statements for the region, including Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, Gogama, and Foleyet.
Algoma Public Health's warning such air pollution can be harmful to health and aggravate heart or lung conditions, with "common, mild symptoms" of smoke exposure including sore and watter eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, mild coughing, or headache, while more serious symptoms including shortness of breath, severe wheezing or coughing, chest pain, or heart palpitations - it urges anyone experiencing the severe symptoms to seek prompt medical care.
It warns children, the elderly, pregnant women, those doing strenuous exercise or work, and anyone with a heart or lung condition is most at risk, recommending you limit or avoid outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities, keep windows closed and have your ventilation system recirculate, and - if you have asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems - use medication as prescribed.