Poor Air Quality Expected Locally Over the Long Weekend Due to Wildfire Smoke
Written by Comms Team, August 1, 2025
(AUGUST 1, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (now legally merged) are informing that Environment Canada is forecasting the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to reach moderate or high levels throughout the region. Although currently low risk, the AQHI is expected to worsen over the long weekend.
Smoke from wildfires in the Prairies is moving through our region, causing poor air quality. Even at low or moderate levels, and sometimes without a noticeable smell, wildfire smoke can impact your health. However, when there is an extreme heat event occurring at the same time as poor air quality, you should prioritize keeping cool. Common symptoms of smoke exposure include:
- Sore and watery eyes
- Runny nose and sinus irritation
- Scratchy throat and mild coughing
- Headaches
Some populations face greater health risks when exposed to poor air quality. This includes, but is not limited to, seniors, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing medical conditions (particularly lung disease like asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular disease), and those engaging in strenuous outdoor activity. For these individuals, it is especially important to take precautions to protect your health and well-being.
Understanding the Air Quality Health Index
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool used to understand how air pollution can affect your health. It uses a scale from 1 to 10+, with higher numbers indicating a greater risk. Here’s what the numbers mean:
- Low Risk (1–3): Ideal conditions for outdoor activities for everyone.
- Moderate Risk (4–6): Most people can continue outdoor activities, but those with heart or breathing problems should monitor for symptoms.
- High Risk (7–10): Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation.
- Very High Risk (10+): Everyone should avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those at higher risk should stay indoors and limit exposure.
What You Can Do
- Check the?AQHI?forecast daily.
- Sign up?to receive smog and air quality?alerts directly to your email.
- Create a clean air space at home by keeping windows and doors closed.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home, if possible.
- Monitor your symptoms and adjust your activities as needed.
- Check in on others, especially those in the at-risk population.
- If you are included in the at-risk population, consult your primary health care provider about additional ways to protect your health when air quality is poor.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your health and minimize the risks associated with poor air quality conditions. Find more information, tips and resources at hkpr.on.ca/AirQuality or peterboroughpublichealth.ca/air, and hkpr.on.ca/wildfires.
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Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, ext. 352
Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212
Did You Know We Merged?
As of January 1, 2025, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health merged to form the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health (legal name only).
Efforts are currently underway to develop an operational name and a brand identity. In the meantime, you will see logos and other marketing material from both legacy organizations. You may also see references and documents using the legal name Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health.
Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.