What to do during a yellow air quality warning in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia-Lambton residents are being urged to monitor the Air Quality Health Index and take precautions as a yellow air quality warning brings a higher risk of health effects, especially for children, seniors, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers and people with chronic health conditions.

Lambton Public Health is reminding residents to take air quality warnings seriously after a Yellow Warning was issued for Sarnia-Lambton last week. 

A Yellow Warning means the Air Quality Health Index is expected to reach the high-risk range, between 7 and 10. When the air quality reaches that level, some people may begin to feel the effects, especially if they are outdoors for long periods of time or doing heavy activity.

The people most at risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, Indigenous people, people with chronic health conditions, people who smoke, people living in poverty, and people who work outdoors.

For those groups, the advice is simple: take it easier outside.

That means reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, such as running, heavy yard work, outdoor sports, or long walks. People who work outside should take extra breaks when possible and pay attention to symptoms.

For the general public, outdoor activities do not necessarily have to stop. But anyone who starts coughing, feels throat irritation, has trouble breathing, or feels unwell should slow down, go indoors if possible, and consider changing their plans.

Anyone experiencing medical symptoms should contact a health care professional.

Residents are also encouraged to check the Air Quality Health Index throughout the day, as conditions can change quickly. Hourly updates are available through Air Quality Ontario, and the WeatherCAN app also provides air quality notifications.

There are also simple steps residents can take at home.

When possible, keep windows closed, as long as indoor temperatures remain safe. People with air conditioning or HVAC systems can set them to recirculate air. A portable HEPA air cleaner can also help improve indoor air quality.

Residents are also encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Lambton Public Health also notes that people who live or work near Highway 402 should take extra precautions, as air quality in that area can be affected by traffic and wind conditions.

Poor air quality events can also be stressful, especially for people with breathing concerns or health conditions. Lambton Public Health reminds residents it is normal to feel anxious during these events, and local mental health supports are available through Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lambton.