London

Air pollution from forest fire smoke moves into the London, Ont., area

Smoke from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec moved into the London, Ont., area Tuesday, leading to "high levels of air pollution" and deteriorating air quality that have health officials warning people to take care.

Air quality index was expected to reach 7 or 'high risk' by Tuesday night

Smoky skies were visible in London, Ont., on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Smoky skies were visible in London, Ont., on Tuesday. (Colin Butler/CBC)

Smoke from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec moved into the London, Ont., area Tuesday, leading to "high levels of air pollution" and deteriorating air quality that have health officials warning people to take care. 

The air quality index climbed across the day, expecting to move from 5 on the scale to 7, which is considered high risk.

Even in low concentrations, wildfire smoke can be harmful to health. The public is urged to take actions to reduce exposure to smoke and protect their health. 

"Air pollution can cause difficulty breathing," said Dr. Alex Summers, medical officer of health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "The health risks are greatest for people who have underlying lung conditions or heart disease." 

Environment Canada anticipates the smoke will linger in the area until the end of the week.

LISTEN | Dr. Alex Summers talks to Afternoon Drive about the health risks of smoky air pollution:

"It has to do with how intense those fires continue to burn," said Environment Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder. "But the airflow is such that it could remain through Thursday and maybe into Friday as well." 

Keep eye on air quality rating, advises meteorologist 

It's important to stay up to date with the air quality forecast, said Flisfeder. Once the number on the air quality index goes above six, he said, everyone is at risk. 

Summers urges the public to stop or reduce activity levels if breathing becomes uncomfortable and to contact a health-care provider if you need advice or develop severe symptoms. 

Environment Canada is advising the public to: 

  • Monitor your symptoms. Drink lots of water. 
  • Wear a well-fitted respirator mask, if you spend time outdoors, to reduce exposure to the fine particles in smoke, but it will not protect against the gases in wildfire smoke.
  • Listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms. 
  • Check on people in your care or around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
  • Keep your indoor air clean. Keep doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
  • Avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning candles or incense, frying foods or using wood stoves to reduce indoor air pollution. 
  • Use an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter if possible.

A similar air quality statement was issued earlier this month in London as Canada contends with its worst wildfire season in a century. 

"Looking at the model guidance, it's looking like it won't be as intense as last time, and not as long a duration as last time," Flisfeder said. "Having said that, we won't really know for sure until the smoke plumes do make their way to the area and we can see the concentrations of those pollutants at the surface in real time."