‘It's smoky out': Londoners cope with poor air quality
A haze is present in the air across much of southwestern Ontario as forest fire smoke from the west continues to affect air quality.
'It's been poor for the past few days, particularly earlier this morning,' said David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
At 7 a.m. Friday, Environment Canada reported the air quality index had almost reached 10, the maximum score.
That's when Pavletic states things get serious.
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David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards, Middlesex-London Health Unit. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
'The recommendation at that point would be to the general population to reduce activities outdoors and strenuous activities, for sure.'
But air quality fluctuates with wind patterns. The unpredictability led some Londoners to be proactive, including senior Pauline Salisbury, who opted to wear a mask on a visit to Cherryhill Village Mall.
'I have a cough, and it's smoky out,' she explained.
Another not taking many chances was parent Kiki Charles. She took her son, Elijah, to a city playground while the index was low.
'I wanted to kind of beat the bad weather.'
As the pair had fun, she was mindful of advisories warning that children, seniors and those with compromised health face the greatest risk from the smoky air.
'I pay attention to whether or not he's exhausted or dehydrated,' Charles said.
Even while indoors, there are safety precautions health officials recommend.
They include closing all windows and doors and considering the purchase of a good quality air filter for heating and cooling systems.
Not everyone heeds the advice, including Sandy Kirby.
'I read it. I'm careful, but I don't get all frantic about it.'
Still, health officials advise that the poor air is expected to linger through the weekend.
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Pauline Salisbury, opted to wear a mask on Friday. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
That's why Pauline plans to keep her mask on.
'Well, like, I know some friends of mine who have a chronic cough. So, if they see me wearing a mask, then hopefully they will too, and protect themselves.'
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