06/06/2026
Protect yourself from heat and poor air quality this summer
https://www.phsd.ca/protect-yourself-from-heat-and-poor-air-quality-this-summer-2/
As hot, humid weather arrives, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to take steps to stay safe from both extreme heat and poor air quality. Early summer poses a higher risk because our bodies have not yet adapted. When high heat, humidity, and poor air quality are combined, the health risks are even greater. Air quality in Sudbury and districts is generally good; however, wildfire smoke is a growing concern.
Tips to prevent heat-related illness
▪️Drink lots of water. Avoid drinks made with alcohol or caffeine.
▪️Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
▪️Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
▪️Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and seek shade.
▪️Cool down with a bath or shower, or cool, wet towels and a fan.
▪️Take it easy and rest as much as possible.
▪️Place a dish of ice cubes in front of your electric fan for a cooling effect.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include breathing rapidly, feeling weak or fainting, being more tired than usual, cramping (usually in the legs or abdomen), headache, nausea, and confusion.
If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, take steps to cool down immediately. If needed, contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911.
Tips to protect your health when air quality is poor
▪️Reduce your exposure: spend less time outdoors and avoid strenuous physical activities. Stay inside with windows and doors closed, and use a portable air purifier (Government of Canada).
▪️If you need to be outside, wear a well-fitted respirator mask. At a minimum, wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or higher-level protection. It should seal closely to your face to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air.
▪️Drink water often to keep your airways moist.
▪️Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
▪️Use the best air filter your ventilation system can handle, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. A MERV 13 rated filter is recommended to remove fine particles.
Mild symptoms from poor air quality can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation. If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811—visit health811.ontario.ca (Ontario Government) or call 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007). In an emergency, call 911. Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Be aware of the risk of outdoor air quality everyday by signing up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN app (Government of Canada) and checking the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government).
As part of the Hot Weather Response Plan, prepared by the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts, information is provided to keep the public safe from hot, humid weather. Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping children safe during hot weather.
Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.
