Wildfire smoke impacting air quality in Hamilton area, with index at 'high risk' Friday

Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and surrounding areas are seeing smoke from wildfires in Western Canada impact air quality and that is expected to continue until Friday evening, Environment Canada said.

The weather agency issued a special air quality statement, warning that wildfire smoke "is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility."

"As smoke levels increase, health risks increase," read the statement. "Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events."

Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Hamilton was at 9 of Friday at noon, meaning high risk.

Air quality should improve Friday evening, said the weather agency, as northerly winds come into the area.

Mild symptoms like headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, or mild cough are common, said Environment Canada, but "more serious" and "less common" symptoms like wheezing, chest pain and severe cough are also possible.

The people more likely to be impacted are those "aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors," it added.

Environment Canada says on their website with the AQHI at 9, those at risk should "reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy."

The general population should also consider the same if experiencing symptoms "such as coughing and throat irritation."

How this week compares to 2023 levels

This week in 2023, Hamilton was also seeing air quality concerns due to wildfire smoke. 

Then, parts of Hamilton reached a 10 on AQHI, indicating high risk. The rating was among some of the worst in the province. 

This week, on Friday afternoon, Hamilton had an air quality health risk index of 9 or high risk. That number is expected to lower to 7 — still high risk — on Friday night and to 3 — low risk — into Saturday morning. 

The weather agency recommends people keep their windows and doors closed and wear a well-fitting respirator-type mask.

Hamilton is one of many communities impacted by smoke this week. Wildfires continue to rage in Western Canada, and communities in affected areas and surrounding provinces have been blanketed by thick plumes of smoke, prompting air quality alerts extending into parts of the United States this week.

Smoke conditions in some parts of the U.S. Midwest have become so bad that the air quality has been categorized as "hazardous."

Exposure to wildfire smoke has been found to cause early death and respiratory issues, says a 2024 report from Health Canada.

Air quality warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. Fifty-three communities in southeastern Manitoba, for example, have received alerts about wildfire smoke causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.