The Acting Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Norfolk County, Haldimand County, the County of Brant, and the City of Brantford, effective today (Monday).
The alert comes as regional forecasts predict the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) will rise into the high-risk category, with values between 7 and 10.
The Special Air Quality Statement will remain in effect until further notice and is intended to protect the health of residents as pollution levels increase.
Who’s at Risk?
Air pollution poses serious health risks—especially for vulnerable populations. Those most at risk include:
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People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
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Older adults
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Children and infants
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Pregnant people
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Outdoor workers or athletes
Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, throat discomfort, coughing, and difficulty breathing—especially during outdoor physical activity.
Public Health Advice for Residents
When AQHI values rise above 7, GEPH recommends the following precautions:
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High-risk groups should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity to limit exposure.
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Everyone else should also consider limiting time outdoors, especially if experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.
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Monitor AQHI values locally through trusted sources and adjust activity based on your personal health needs.
GEPH emphasizes the importance of awareness and personal responsibility during periods of poor air quality.
What Is the AQHI?
The Air Quality Health Index is a nationally standardized tool that helps Canadians understand the impact of air quality on their health. The scale ranges from 1 (low risk) to 10+ (very high risk). When AQHI readings climb into the high-risk range, outdoor air pollution levels have reached a threshold that may cause immediate health impacts for vulnerable groups.
Stay indoors when possible, limit outdoor exertion, and protect your health during this air quality advisory.
Stay up to date by visiting bchu.org/air or hnhu.org/air.