Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke in Ontario - Resources for Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes

This summer has brought periods of high heat and poor air quality to some communities across Ontario. The Ministry of Long-Term Care has provided the following information and resources that are designed to help LTC residents, caregivers and their families to navigate this extreme weather.

Quick Tips:

Where appropriate and feasible, LTC homes may wish to consider the following measures during periods of poor air quality:

• Monitor local air quality conditions and refer to guidance and alerts from local public health units, Environment and Climate Change Canada and others;

• Limit outdoor activities with residents, particularly for residents who may be at higher risk;

• Keep windows and exterior doors closed where feasible;

• Where appropriate, limit outdoor air intake through HVAC systems, while ensuring continued safe operation of building systems;

• Monitor residents for any changes in health status or symptoms that may be associated with poor air quality, and

• Support residents, families, caregivers, and staff who may have questions or concerns.

Resources:

• Wildfires and Health Effects | Public Health Ontario

• Ontario - Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) | Environment and Climate Change Canada

• Ontario Forest Fire Info Map  

• Forest fires | ontario.ca

• Canadian Wildland Fire Information System | Natural Resources Canada

• Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Health Reference Document | ontario.ca