Residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to take precautions to protect their health due to smoke from wildfires, both in Labrador and in Quebec, that may cause a reduction in air quality.

The following groups are considered at higher risk of experiencing health effects from smoke:

• People who are pregnant.
• Young children.
• Older adults aged 65 and over.
• People who have underlying medical conditions.
• People who physically exert themselves outside for work or sports.

Minor symptoms can include headaches, a mild cough, sore and watery eyes, and nose and throat irritation. More serious, but less common, symptoms can include severe cough, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and wheezing.

Hot conditions are also expected in the Upper Lake Melville area on Tuesday and Wednesday. While extreme heat can put everyone at risk for heat-related illness, older adults, infants and young children, those with chronic illnesses, people precariously housed, those who work and exercise in the heat and people on certain medications are at a higher risk with increased heat. Hot conditions can also worsen air quality.

Advice for residents

In extreme heat, drink plenty of fluids and monitor for the signs of heat exhaustion, which can include:

• Dizziness and fainting.
• Extreme thirst.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache.
• Rapid breathing and heart rate.
• Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

When extreme heat coincides with wildfire smoke, prioritize keeping cool, because overheating can be more dangerous to your health.

The best way to protect against the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure to smoke and seek cleaner air by:

• Keeping windows and doors closed and staying cool.
• Sealing windows and doors properly with weather stripping, if necessary.
• Limiting outdoor and strenuous activity.
• Turning off or using recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system.
• Using a portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner to filter the air in one area of your home.
• Visiting public spaces such as community centres, libraries, and stores which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air.
• Drinking water to reduce inflammation caused by exposure to smoke.
• Caring for those who are vulnerable to wildfire smoke.
• Wearing a well-fitting and properly worn mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, if you must spend time outdoors.

Residents are encouraged to contact 811 or to see a health care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the smoke. Residents experiencing a medical emergency should contact 911.

If you have a lung condition or breathing problems and you use rescue medications, make sure that you have enough medication at home and carry it with you when there is wildfire smoke in the area.

The Provincial Government recognizes that this may be a difficult time for people in our communities and encourages them to avail of mental health resources, if necessary. For a full listing of available resources, please click here.

Residents in the province can check air quality in their region by consulting the Air Quality Health Index on the Government of Canada website.

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