Wildfire smoke bringing ‘very high levels’ of air pollution to Toronto, weather agency says

Poor air quality could last until Friday, says Environment Canada A special air quality statement for the Toronto area remains in effect Wednesday after Environment Canada advised high levels of air pollution will develop and continue throughout this week.

Smoke plumes from fires over northeastern Ontario and Quebec have moved into the area, “resulting in deteriorated air quality,” the federal weather agency said.

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”

Conditions are expected to improve by Friday or, in some areas, by Thursday, it said.

The air quality statement marks another week where wildfire smoke will pollute Toronto’s air. The city was last issued a poor air quality statement just over a week ago, and experienced days of smoky air earlier in the month.
By 3 p.m., the city’s AQHI level had reached a 10, which carries with it a “high” risk.
People at risk include seniors, infants, children, pregnant people, those who work outside or engaging in strenuous outdoor activities, and people with chronic health problems such as cancer or diabetes.

Those who are not considered high risk should also consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

“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,” Environment Canada said.

The agency added, however, that respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke.

City modifies some programming
Based on recommendations from Toronto Public Health, city-run outdoor recreation programs will be moving indoors, the city said in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon. Those enrolled in the programs will be contacted if there are changes impacting them, the city says.

Outdoor activities have also been suspended at city-run early learning and child care centres, according to the city release. Parents are being notified about those changes.

Outdoor museum programs run by the city will also be moving indoors.