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WILDFIRES POLLUTE AIR, PROMPT HEALTH ADVISORY
RECORD HEAT PROMPTS EOHU RESPONSE CHRISTOPHER SMITH christopher.smith@eap.on.ca
The EOHU also cautioned people to remain safe and not do anything to risk heat stress or heat stroke. Limit physical activity in the heat, don’t leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight, and be aware that children are more prone to heat stroke than adults. In the event of overheating, take a cool shower or bath until refreshed. More information can be found at www.EOHU.ca/heat Excessive heat can cause heat exhaus- tion, heat fainting, heat stroke, heat rash, heat cramps, and swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms during extreme heat should immediately move to a cool place and drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. The most dangerous of these is heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help, cool the person by moving them to a cool place, applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and fanning the person as much as possible. The EOHU urges everyone to stay alert, take precautions, and care for one another. Visit neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chro- nically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
A record high of 34 degrees has promp- ted the EOHU to release a list of guide- lines for staying cool. Environment and Climate Change Canada had declared a heat warning in anticipation of daytime temperatures reaching 33.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the hottest June 1 recorded since Environment Canada’s records began in 1872. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is advising residents to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses this summer, espe- cially 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. The EOHU said to drink plenty of cool water throughout the day, even if not thirsty, to decrease the risk of dehydration. “Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration,” it said, “Drink before you feel thirsty.” Other ways of staying cool include resche- duling outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, wearing loose-fitting clothing in light-colours, and spend as much time in the shade as possible. Preparing cold meals or food that don’t need to be heated in an oven will help reduce the amount of exposure to heat during hot weather situations. Homeowners should also lose window coverings to prevent heat from entering, and limit outdoor physical activity.
going outdoors is necessary, residents are advised to wear a mask at all times to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. “If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted N95 mask can help reduce your exposure,” said Monica Vaswani, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environ- ment and Climate Change Canada. “A mask would be your best defence if you do have to be outdoors.” The air quality warning was issued at the beginning of June when the amount of fine particulate matter in the air hit 60 micro- grams per cubic meter. That level rocketed to 260 per cubic meter on Tuesday, which is considered very unhealthy. For reference, Eastern Ontario’s air is usually measured between four and 11 micrograms per cubic meter. The fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the lungs and blood stream, and it’s linked to several negative health impacts including headaches, watery eyes, and coughs. Severe exposure can lead to more serious effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Those most at risk include seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, outdoor workers and exercisers, and people with pre-existing conditions such as lung or heart conditions, cancer, or diabetes. Health officials are anticipating the air to get even worse on Wednesday.
Le soleil du matin ressemblait davantage à un projecteur dans le ciel chargé de smog. -Photo du site
CHRISTOPHER SMITH christopher.smith@eap.on.ca
Health officials are warning residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Due to the ongoing wildfires spread across Ontario and Quebec, there is currently an air quality warning in effect. Until the smog from the fire clears and the air quality improves, residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, keep doors and windows shut, and keep air conditioners running to filter the air. Those who don’t have air conditioning are advised to consider visiting public spaces that are air conditioned. If
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