Outdoor workers trying to manage smoky air

As people in the Ottawa areawake up to another day of poor air quality, those who must work outside are advised to take it easy and closely monitor any symptoms they might develop.

Environment Canada has been warning that forest firesmay keep the airdangerous to human health through most of the week, with smog warnings in and around Gatineauand special air quality statements for the rest of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

For people who make a living working outdoors, calling it quits for the week is often not an option.

As his team removed a large old tree in Sandy Hill Tuesday, tree cutter Jeremy Hogendoornsaid work carried on with a few modifications to cope with the smog.

"We're working with a little bit bigger of a crew, at a little bit slower pace and with lots of breaks," said Hogendoorn. "It's a little bit better now than it was this morning."

Ottawa's air quality wasso bad itcrackedthrough the top of Environment Canada'sAir Quality Health IndexTuesday morning, which is its highest level andthe highest among Canada's major cities.

It was back there again Wednesday morning.

Western Quebec's poor air quality may persist for a few more days,while eastern Ontario's may improve a bit Thursday before deteriorating again Friday.

'I'm coughing every 2 minutes'

In the ByWard Market, hostess Emmie Girouxsaidpatio traffic at The Aulde Dubliner & Pour House is noticeably down this week.

"We have been way less busy because of the smog," she said."We have a lot of customers wanting to sit inside,a lot of people want to get away from the air."

Regardless of the number of customers, Girouxstill found herself standing at the patio's entrance all day Tuesday waiting to greet potential patrons and feeling the effects of the smog.

"My eyes are getting irritated and it's getting harderto breathe, said Giroux. "I'm coughing every two minutes."

The Ottawa Safety Council first announced it would cancel afternoon shifts "for the health and safety of our 300+ Crossing Guards." The organization reversed that decision soon after but said coverage will be "unpredictable."

Minor symptoms should improve with time

Ottawa's medical officer of health cautions that people should closely monitor their symptoms over the course of the week.

Symptoms should disappear as air quality improves, said Dr. Vera Etches.

"[For] people who are having difficulty breathing or chest pains,these are emergency symptoms and so our hospitals are on alert," said Etches.

She echoed the strategy being used by Hogendoorn and his crew, encouraging those who work outside to increase the size of your crew, take more breaks and slow down the pace of work.

WATCH | Ottawa Public Health'sguidance for bad air quality:

Consider reducing or avoiding outdoor activities during air quality warnings, Etches says

1 year ago

Duration 0:55

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa's medical officer of health encouraged residents to modify or reduce their outdoor activity until air quality improves, while those at higher risk should avoid strenuous activity outdoors.