Poor air quality in Sarnia-Lambton due to wildfire smoke

Lambton Public Health headquarters in Sarnia, Ont. are seen on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV London)

A special air quality statement is in effect for Sarnia-Lambton on Saturday, issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The statement was prompted by wildfire smoke present in the area, which originated in forest fires in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario.

It’s expected that the smoke will clear from the area on Saturday evening and overnight, however, the Lambton Public Health Unit has issued some reminders about the risks associated with poor air quality.

Those most at risk in poor air quality environments includes older adults, children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions. Additionally, those that work outdoors and will spend lengthy times exposed the poor air quality are also at risk.

It’s recommended that those at risk limit strenuous outdoor activities, and monitor for symptoms.

To help reduce chances of negative health impacts you can:

• drink plenty of water
• take extra precautions if you live near a highway or area where air quality could be impacted by traffic conditions
• keep windows and doors closed

Symptoms include irritated eyes and difficulty breathing. If you are concerned about your health and experiencing symptoms due to exposure to poor air quality, it’s recommended that you contact your healthcare provider.