Air quality reaches highest risk level in Ottawa
Poor air quality began Thursday night, could last into Saturday
Drifting smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across nearly all of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, prompting Environment Canada to upgrade its alert to the highest risk level Friday afternoon.
Special air quality statements covered the entire region except the Deep River area as of 7 a.m. Friday. Environment Canada says those conditions could last into Saturday.
The Air Quality Health Index for downtown Ottawa rose to 10+, or very high, on Friday at 1 p.m. It dipped to high risk at 2 p.m. and is forecast to drop down to eight, or moderate, by the evening — higher than previous forecasts.
Friday afternoon's index in eastern Ontario was, as of 1 p.m.:
- Eight, or high, in Kingston.
- Eight, or high, in Belleville.
- Nine, or high, in Gatineau.
- Six, or moderate, in Cornwall.
The smoke may pose health risks, Environment Canada said, advising people in affected areas to limit time outdoors and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit also warned of health risks and advised residents to watch for symptoms including:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation.
- Coughing.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Chest pains.
- Difficulty breathing.
Both agencies said people over 65, pregnant people, children, people with pre-existing health conditions and people who work outdoors are more likely to be impacted by air pollution.
Wildfires are raging across Western Canada, with B.C, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all battling blazes.
Air quality warnings have been issued from the Alberta-B.C. border into Labrador as of Friday morning.
The drifting smoke has been categorized as "hazardous" in parts of the U.S. Midwest, with air quality alerts issued in Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota.