Air Quality Update to Families
Dear Families,
As we continue to monitor Environment Canada advisories, HWDSB is taking proactive measures to respond to reduced air quality in Hamilton caused by wildfires burning across the country.
According to Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS), the Air Quality Health Index reached 7 – High Risk today and it is expected to increase to 9 – High Risk tomorrow, Thursday, June 8.
At HWDSB, we have directed Facility Services staff to continue to operate all air flow systems within school and administrative buildings, but will restrict outdoor air from entering all facilities, where possible. All mechanical systems and air flow will continue to operate without new air being pulled in from the outside.
Staff have also been in contact with Hamilton Public Health Services and guidance is available on the HWDSB and City of Hamilton websites.
All outdoor activities will be moved indoors during this time. Elementary Track and Field, rescheduled for tomorrow June 8, is cancelled. Outdoor excursions will be reviewed to ensure that indoor options are available.
Schools will remain open throughout this province-wide environmental response. We want to validate the concerns and worry that some families and students may have at this time.
We encourage everyone to follow public health guidance. If your child is unwell, as always, we ask they should stay home.
We will continue to monitor the situation. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
The Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks | Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada alerts are currently providing the below precautions for regions such as Hamilton with a Special Air Quality Alert:
- Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
- People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults (≥65 years of age), children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
- Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
- Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.
- Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
- If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
- Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.
- If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
- Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
- Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.
- If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.
For more details, please consult www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html
Additionally, Health Canada offers the following resources on wildfire smoke and air quality:
- Find the latest information online regarding wildfire smoke and health and how to reduce exposure.
- Download, print and share our Wildfire Smoke 101 factsheets:
- Download the WeatherCAN app, available on iOS and Android devices, and receive free notifications about weather events, extreme heat and special air quality statements.
- Consult the air quality health index (AQHI) and learn how to use the AQHI to check air quality conditions in your community.
- Protect your indoor air from outdoor pollutants – ensuring good indoor air quality is especially important during periods of poor outdoor air quality.
- Air pollution and sport safety – free education module and resources from Health Canada and the Sport Information Resource Centre.
Updated on Monday, June 12, 2023.