With active forest fires in northwestern Ontario and eastern Manitoba, Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for northern Ontario, including the Algoma District.
Nicole Lindahl with Algoma Public Health says smoke plumes from these active fires may result in deteriorated air quality across the region clearing up sometime late Monday night.
She cautions residents of the Algoma district that air pollution from wildfire smoke can be harmful to health and aggravate heart or lung conditions.
Lindahl adds common, mild symptoms of smoke exposure include sore and watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, mild coughing, or headache, but those at higher risk may have more serious symptoms, like shortness of breath, severe wheezing or coughing, chest pain, or heart palpitations.
She encourages anyone with severe symptoms to seek prompt medical care.
