North Bay’s Air Quality Crisis: How to Assess the Peril

Air Quality Crisis in North Bay: A Perilous Assessment

Dangerous Levels of Air Pollution

The air quality index (AQI) for the North Bay area has reached dangerous levels this morning, urging residents to avoid outside exposure if possible. According to BayToday, an air quality sensor installed at its downtown office reveals the real-time readings, which are worrisome. The index reached an alarming 519, which is at the top of the chart.

For comparison, an AQI of 100 is considered to be at the upper end of the “Moderate” range, signaling that at-risk groups should start exercising caution. An AQI above 300 indicates a health warning of emergency conditions. At this level, everyone, not just those at risk, is more likely to be affected with 24 hours of exposure.

Other areas in the vicinity are also suffering from severe air pollution. Sudbury currently has an AQI of 355, while Pembroke stands at 403. The impact of this crisis is evident in East Ferris, where the municipality has decided to cancel its Canada Day and St. Jean Babtiste Day celebrations due to poor air quality. A notice was issued by the municipality on its Facebook page earlier this morning, and it has been confirmed that today’s event is officially cancelled.

The Health Risks of Fine Particulate Matter

At the heart of this air quality crisis is the presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an air pollutant that poses serious health concerns when levels are this high. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that not only reduce visibility and cause haziness but also pose a significant risk to human health.

These particles are so small that they can be inhaled, leading to severe health problems. Some particles, measuring less than 10 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 is particularly dangerous and has been associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung-related causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days.

The most vulnerable groups affected by short-term exposures to high levels of PM2.5 are infants, children, and older adults with preexisting heart or lung diseases. These individuals face a higher risk of experiencing severe health complications due to the poor air quality.

Causes of the Air Pollution

Environment Canada has issued a special statement on the air quality in the North Bay area, attributing the high levels of air pollution to smoke from forest fires. The prevalence of these fires has resulted in the development of dangerous air pollution that poses a threat to the well-being of the community.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

In order to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, it is vital to take necessary precautions and follow the guidelines set by health authorities. If you or someone in your care experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness, or chest pains, it is imperative to stop outdoor activities and seek medical assistance.

For those feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to stay indoors. To maintain clean indoor air, it is advised to keep doors and windows closed if the temperature inside the home is comfortable. The use of air purifiers equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in frequently occupied rooms can aid in reducing the presence of harmful particles. However, it is important to avoid air purifiers that produce ozone, as this can further exacerbate air pollution issues.

Managing the Effects of Smoke Exposure

While milder symptoms of smoke exposure include sore and watery eyes, a runny nose, sinus irritation, and mild coughing, it is essential to recognize more serious symptoms that require immediate attention. These symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness, chest pains, and heart palpitations.

Research has indicated that exposure to wildfire smoke can have long-term effects, including increased risks of low birth weight, preterm labor, high blood pressure, breathing challenges, and parental stress. Pregnant individuals should pay close attention to their breathing in poor air quality, as it could impact their baby’s respiratory health as well.

Key Recommendations from Health Authorities

The Health Unit has outlined several recommendations to mitigate the effects of poor air quality caused by the wildfire smoke:

• Avoid frying food and using smoke-producing appliances such as wood stoves, candles, and incense.
• Avoid smoking tobacco indoors, as it puts additional stress on the lungs.
• Limit vacuuming, unless equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, as settled dust can be removed through wiping and wet mopping after a wildfire event.
• Exercise caution when using cleaning products, refraining from using any that could improperly emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Seal windows and doors properly, keeping them closed to prevent outside air from entering homes. Install high-quality air filters that can remove particulate matter from incoming air, especially in homes with forced air ventilation. For those with HVAC systems, use the highest rated MERV filter (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. Portable HEPA air cleaners can also be used.

Editorial: Addressing the Urgency of Climate Change

The current air quality crisis in North Bay serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its cascading effects on human health. Forest fires, intensified by rising temperatures and longer dry seasons, are becoming more common, leading to widespread air pollution and endangering communities.

It is crucial for governments, at all levels, to prioritize climate action and implement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, and foster sustainable practices. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can empower individuals to make environmentally conscious choices and contribute to a cleaner, healthier future.

Seeking Resilience in Adaptation

As we tackle the immediate crisis of poor air quality in North Bay, it is imperative to also incorporate long-term resilience in our adaptation strategies. Communities must plan and prepare for future challenges, building infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change and protect the well-being of their residents.

Collaborative efforts between government, health authorities, and individuals are necessary to confront the health risks associated with air pollution and work towards a sustainable future. By prioritizing the health of our environment, we can ensure the well-being and safety of our communities for generations to come.