Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/June 18, 2024
Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario have issued a joint special air quality statement for Belleville, Consecon, Picton/Sandbanks, and Quinte West areas. High levels of air pollution are possible in these areas this afternoon and evening.
Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations north of Lake Ontario. Moderate risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values in the afternoon and evening.
Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care. Use the AQHI to plan your day. If you are taking medication or have a health condition, please pay close attention to your symptoms and take a break if necessary. Additional information on the AQHI can be found at airqualityontario.com.
Some individuals are at greater risk from air pollution:
- people with cardiovascular disease or lung diseases will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels
- children, including teenagers, in particular when being active outdoors or if they have asthma
- older adults
- those who exercise or work outdoors
Be air aware! You can limit exposure to air pollution by avoiding source emissions, where possible, such as on busy roads or heavy traffic areas. Eliminate indoor air pollution sources such as tobacco smoke and where possible, limit outdoor pollutants from entering the home by replacing your furnace/central air HEPA filters every three months. Avoid using chemical-based products in your home that can affect indoor air quality. Choose less toxic cleaners, paints, finishes and glues. Look for products labeled “VOC-free”, “zero-VOC” or “low-VOC”.
You can also take steps to reduce outdoor air pollution by:
- leaving the car at home and using a transportation alternative such as walking, cycling, carpooling or public transportation
- limiting the amount of wood you burn outdoors in your fire pit and burn only dry, seasoned wood
- avoiding the use of gas-powered equipment, such as lawnmowers
For more information, visit hpePublicHealth.ca, or visit the following links.
To learn more about the Air Quality Health Index value, watch What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)?
For the latest updates on the special air quality statement please visit the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website.
For more information on air quality and what you should do, visit Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Air Quality Health Index website.
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Media Contacts:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
Communications team
communications@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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