SIOUX LOOKOUT – Environment Canada has issued an Air Quality Alert. The alert is issued over continued smoke from wildfires in the region.
Special air quality statement in effect for:
- Ear Falls – Perrault Falls – Western Lac Seul
- Red Lake – Woodland Caribou Park
- Savant Lake – Sturgeon Lake
- Sioux Lookout – Eastern Lac Seul
- Pikangikum – Poplar Hill – MacDowell
Possible high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected today and tonight.
Smoke plumes from forest fires in Woodland Caribou Park west of Red Lake and Wabikimi Provincial Park northwest of Armstrong may affect the area. Air quality may deteriorate if the smoke descends to ground level.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
