Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an orange air quality warning for the Niagara region due to wildfire smoke, with poor air quality expected to persist through Friday, July 17. Toronto’s air quality was the worst in the world at around noon on Wednesday according to a ranking of major global cities.

In accordance with advice from Niagara Region Public Health, the Brock Health, Safety and Wellness team is reminding the University community to limit time outdoors where possible, reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and be aware of symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and coughing.

Individuals at higher risk — including those with underlying health conditions, older adults, pregnant people, young children and those working outdoors — should take extra precautions.

To help mitigate impact to indoor air quality, the Facilities Management team is:

• Adjusting all dampers to 10 per cent open to maintain minimum fresh air requirements. The Controls team will monitor carbon dioxide levels in affected areas.
• Checking filters and changing them if needed to trap particulates that may have already entered buildings.

To support these actions, members of the campus community are asked to keep exterior windows closed and only open exterior doors as necessary.

For additional information, health guidance and more resources on extra precautions, visit the Government of Canada’s website.