Wild fire smoke impacting region, prompts air quality statement

Wildfire smoke from northern parts of Canada is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the local area.

“High risk air quality is expected to remain over the area into this evening,” Chatham-Kent Public Health said in a release issued Friday.

Northerly winds on Friday should improve air quality, the health unit said.

“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations,” the release said. “Additionally, people with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”

The health unit advises following actions to reduce exposure:

Monitor health: Stop or reduce activity levels and contact a health-care provide