Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Wildfire smoke reducing air quality: July 14, 2026
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality statement for
- Greater Sudbury and vicinity
- Gogama, Foleyet
- Espanola, Massey and Killarney
- Manitoulin Island
- West-Nipissing, French River
- Markstay-Warren, St. Charles
- Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (Government of Canada), smoke from wildfires (forest fires) is affecting air quality. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone of the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself.
People can have very different reactions to the same amount of smoke. Some people are more likely to experience symptoms from wildfire smoke, including older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and people with existing health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory, or heart conditions.
“Mild symptoms from wildfire smoke can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation,” said Adam Ranger, Environmental Support Officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.
“If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811 —visit health811.ontario.ca (Ontario Government), or call 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007). In an emergency, call 911. Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat,” said Ranger.
The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. You can do this by limiting outdoor and strenuous physical activities, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and using a portable air purifier (Government of Canada). If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator-type mask may help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. At a minimum, select a NIOSH-certified N95 or elastomeric respirator. All respirators should seal closely to your face to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air If you feel unwell or have difficulty breathing, stop outdoor activities altogether.
Other precautions to take:
- Check the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government) before going outdoors and sign up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN (Government of Canada)
- Use the best quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle based on manufacturers’ recommendations. Be sure to run the fan mode and put the system on recirculate. A MERV 13 rated air filter is recommended to remove fine particulate matter.
- If needed, visit community centres, libraries, or shopping malls to get a break from the smoke.
- Take care of your mental health during a wildfire smoke event.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly. For more information, check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)) (Ontario Government), visit www.phsd.ca, or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) to speak to a public health inspector.
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