CLEVELAND — For the second time this month, smoke from Canada’s wildfires has entered Ohio’s atmosphere, causing unhealthy air quality across the state.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff urged Ohioans to take precautions during this time as the smoke can harm anyone’s health.
“It’s important to take poor air quality seriously because smoke exposure can cause health problems,” Vanderhoff said. “Certain groups of people are at higher risk, such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, children, the elderly and pregnant women. Please take precautions until these conditions improve.”
Vanderhoff explained that smoke from wildfires contains particles that can be inhaled and cause eye, nose or throat irritation, shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. It can also lead to worsening of chronic heart and lung diseases.
Vanderhoff advised Ohioans to limit outdoor activities and spend more time indoors in the meantime.
Other precautions:
- Stay in rooms that can be closed off from the outside air
- Don’t use things that could make air pollution worse like candles, gas, propane, wood stoves, fireplaces, and aerosol sprays
- Use high-efficiency filters for central air conditioning to allow them to capture smoke particles
- Drink much water
- If you experience eye, nose, or throat irritation, a humidifier can provide relief.
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