Yellow Warning - Air Quality

Locations: Labrador City, Wabush, and vicinity.

Time span: continuing until improved conditions are sustained.

Remarks: Air quality has generally remained favourable across the region, owing in part to wildfire suppression efforts, cooler temperatures, and periods of showery weather.

If these conditions continue, the warning may be ended this weekend.

Warmer and drier weather is forecast to return next week. It remains uncertain how this may affect wildfire activity, local smoke concentrations, and whether additional air quality alerts will be required.

In the meantime, air quality may fluctuate locally as winds shift and wildfire behaviour changes.

###

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.