PRESS RELEASE
The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued a health alert due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter caused in major part by wildfires in Canada. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has also issued an Air Quality Advisory, due to an exceedance of fine particulate levels in the “Very Unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI) range.
During periods when the air is “Very Unhealthy” CDPH recommends that individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens:
• Avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.
• Stay inside with the windows closed.
Everyone else:
• Limit outdoor activities especially strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities as short as possible.
• Re-assign outdoor work to indoor activities except in emergent situations.
Those with heart disease or COPD should pay close attention to symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, a fast heartbeat, feeling more out of breath than usual, or extreme fatigue. Contact your health care provider or system, or if symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1. Check the daily Air Quality Index and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map at www.airnow.gov to view hourly updates, as the condition will change hour to hour.
The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is committed to improving the quality of life of City residents by promoting healthy behavior, protecting the environment, preventing disease, and making the City a healthy place to live, work, and play. As the local public health agency for the City of Cleveland, CDPH offers a range of programs, including clinical, environmental, health promotion, and population-based services. Our mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of residents, communities, and partners in the City of Cleveland. Our vision is to be the most responsive, trusted, and impactful health department in the country. For more information, please visit www.clevelandhealth.org.