Students to attend Armed Forces Day despite air quality — NNDSB

The Near North District School Board is informing members of its school community it will send its students and staff to the North Bay waterfront on Wednesday for Armed Forces Day as planned despite an active weather advisory regarding air quality.

See related: Thousands to descend on waterfront for Armed Forces Day

Parents and guardians who are concerned about their child's exposure to the air pollution caused by wildfire smoke also have the option to not allow their child to attend.

"With guidance from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, NNDSB is planning to allow its students to attend the scheduled Armed Forces Day on Wednesday, June 7," reads the letter sent out Tuesday evening.

"Young people are among the vulnerable and at-risk groups. The health unit has recommended that participants be allowed to attend Armed Forces Day with reduced exposure time and no strenuous activities.

"As they would with any outdoor event, supervisors will monitor students for any signs of discomfort or distress."

See: Fuel stop only for Snowbirds prior to Armed Forces Day

According to the special air quality statement issued by Environment Canada, "High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke plumes from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec have resulted in deteriorated air quality. Poor air quality may persist through most of this week.

"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke."

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

See: Poor air quality may last through the week: Environment Canada

Environment Canada recommends stopping outdoor activities and contacting your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.

"If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms."