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Date: 2023-06-06

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH

Re: Smog and Air Health Advisory in Effect A Smog and Air Health Advisory has been issued for the following regions:

  • United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
  • United Counties of Prescott-Russell
  • City of Cornwall

Smog and Air Health Advisory

A Smog and Air Health Advisory is issued jointly by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change when the Air Quality Health Index is forecast to reach, or has reached the high risk category (7-10+), and is expected to last at least 3 hours.

During a Smog and Air Health Advisory, everyone is at risk, however health risks are greater for: older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, people who work in the heat, people who exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners.

Follow these tips during a Smog and Air Health Advisory:

  • Stay away from areas with automobile traffic and limit the amount of time you spend in areas where pollution can be elevated, like busy streets during rush hour and industrial zones, especially when you exercise.
  • Stay indoors with central air conditioning.
  • Have an adequate supply of medication (more than 5 days) and develop a plan together with your health care provider for how to manage your condition during periods of poor air quality.
  • When outdoors, if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce strenuous physical activities. If you experience irritation of the eyes, nose or throat, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms, you should take action to reduce your exposure to outdoor air pollution.

Visit Air Quality Ontario’s website to monitor air quality:

For more information on how to protect yourself from smog and air pollution, visit www.EOHU.ca/heat or call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120.

If you require this information in an alternate format, please call 1 800 267-7120 and press 0