In recent weeks, the greater Toronto area has been seriously affected by poor air quality conditions as a result of forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario. Last week’s air quality health index was pushed to a 10—a high risk level we don’t often see in this part of the country. In fact, this has been the worst fire season on record here in Ontario since the beginning of the 21st century. Conditions were so severe that for several days, it was easy to see (and smell) the problem from anywhere in the city. We’re sure you felt it in your throat and lungs, and many individuals struggled with headaches or difficulty breathing.
Seeing that haze over the city can be unsettling and while we hope it doesn’t become a regular occurrence, it’s best to be prepared. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy in poor air quality conditions.
Who is at risk?
While inhaling hazy, smokey air isn’t good for anyone, it’s particularly risky for seniors, children, and anyone with chronic lung conditions (asthma or emphysema, for example). It’s also dangerous for diabetics and those with heart and lung disease. Even a young, healthy individual may notice irritation to their throat and respiratory system when air quality conditions are particularly poor.
How can seniors stay safe in hazy conditions?
While inhaling hazy, smokey air isn’t good for anyone, it’s particularly risky for seniors, children, and anyone with chronic lung conditions (asthma or emphysema, for example). It’s also dangerous for diabetics and those with heart and lung disease. Hazy air from wildfire smoke contains very small particles that can damage your heart and lungs—this website has a great chart that explains this risk.
- Close your windows and run the air conditioning. This will help keep particles out while filtering the air in your house.
- Run an air purifier. If you don’t own one, we recommend making this purchase! They are very effective and also help remove allergens from your home. Adding house plants to your home can also help improve indoor air quality, though an air purifier is more efficient in acute situations.
- Stay indoors until the air quality has improved. Keep an eye on your local air quality health index to stay informed and make safe choices!
- If you do go outside, wear an N95 mask. This will help filter your air intake and reduce the amount of particles/toxins you breathe in.
- If you go outside, avoid strenuous activities. This means no exercising outdoors, however gentle your fitness routine may be—it’s not worth the risk to your health!
- Stay well hydrated. Your hydration and your respiratory function are connected, so dehydration becomes extra dangerous in poor air conditions.
- If you use an inhaler, keep it with you. You may need it—better safe than sorry!
- When air conditions improve, open the windows and air out your home. This will reduce the amount of particles inside your home, assuming some got in. Keep running that air purifier!
We hope you find these tips helpful and will share them with friends, neighbours and family members who may benefit from this advice. Thanks as always for reading, and please stay safe and healthy this summer. If you’d like to learn more about skilled, reliable, compassionate homecare services in the greater Toronto area, please contact us. We’d be pleased to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.