Protect yourself from heat and poor air quality this summer

As hot, humid weather arrives, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to take steps to stay safe from both extreme heat and poor air quality. Early summer poses a higher risk because our bodies have not yet adapted to the conditions. When high heat, humidity, and poor air quality are combined, the health risks are even greater. Air quality in Sudbury and districts is generally good; however, wildfire smoke is becoming an increasing concern.

Tips to prevent heat-related illness

• Drink lots of water. Avoid drinks made with alcohol or caffeine.
• Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and seek shade.
• Cool down with a bath or shower, or with cool, wet towels and a fan.
• Take it easy and rest as much as possible.
• Place a dish of ice cubes in front of your electric fan for a cooling effect.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include breathing rapidly, feeling weak or fainting, being more tired than usual, cramping (usually in the legs or abdomen), headache, nausea, and developing confusion.

If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, immediately take steps to cool down. If needed, contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911.

Tips to protect your health when air quality is poor

• Reduce your exposure. Limit outdoor and strenuous physical activities, stay indoors and keep the windows and doors closed, and use a portable air purifier (Government of Canada).
• If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, which does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, may help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the air.
• Keep airways moist by drinking plenty of water.
• Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
• Use the best quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle based on manufacturer’s recommendations. A MERV 13 rated filter is recommended to remove fine particulate matter.

Mild symptoms from poor air quality can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation. If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811 (Ontario Government)—visit health811.ontario.ca or call 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007). In an emergency, call 911. Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.

Be aware of the risk of outdoor air quality every day by signing up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN app (Government of Canada) and checking the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government).

As part of the Hot Weather Response Plan, prepared by the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts, information is provided to keep the public safe from hot, humid weather. Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.

Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.