Toronto among worst air quality in the world as special statement continues
Smoke from forest fires to continue to impact much of southern Ontario on Monday, says Environment Canada
Toronto is among the most polluted cities in the world on Monday morning as the city remains under a special air quality statement for its third consecutive day.
Environment Canada said smoke from forest fires is expected to continue to impact much of southern Ontario Monday and may persist into Tuesday before finally easing.
"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," said Environment Canada in a special air quality statement issued Monday morning.
The statement is also in effect for Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton, Pickering and Oshawa.
Toronto ranked third in a list of the world's most polluted cities as of Sunday morning, according to a global ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
A warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada told CBC that precipitation could help improve air quality in the GTA, but the area is only expected to get that next weekend.
"We do need precipitation or wind directions in a favourable direction to help clear out the air," said Monica Vaswani on Monday.
"Wednesday right now is looking like our best chance for maybe some reprieve, but I honestly don't see conditions really improving until we can get some precipitation our way next weekend."
She said there are different weather factors that can influence how polluted the air is in a specific geographic location, such as wind, rain, and thunderstorm activity.
Environment Canada suggesting people limit time outdoors
Environment Canada is suggesting people limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events due to smoke levels.
Young children, seniors, pregnant people, or people with an existing illness or chronic health condition are more vulnerable to the poor air quality.
Vaswani said people should protect themselves if they need to be outdoors and also make sure they are reducing the amount of pollutants they are bringing into their lungs.
"The best way to protect yourself is really to wear a well-fitted mask — an N95 mask, for example," she said.
"Take lots of breaks if you're outdoors, so get inside an area with fresh, clean air — a mall, a library, community centre — all those places are good places to basically bring in some fresh air into your lungs."
Symptoms can include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and a mild cough. While it's not as common, Environment Canada says wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough are also potential symptoms.
The national weather agency is also advising people to keep their windows and doors closed and check in on others who live nearby who are more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Lamia Abozaid