A thick, smoky haze still hangs over the Greater Toronto Area as an orange-level air quality warning remains active on Thursday from Environment Canada.
The air quality health index across the GTA, which includes Mississauga, downtown Toronto, and Oshawa, was at 10+ or at “very high risk” as of 8 a. m. Thursday.
<p Smoke drifting from forest fires in northwestern Ontario is leading to poor air quality and reduced visibility across much of southern Ontario.
<p The national weather agency has warned that everyone’s health, regardless of age or condition, could be affected due to heavy smoke conditions.
<p It advised people to limit their time outside and consider rescheduling or canceling outdoor events. For those who must go outdoors, the weather agency recommended wearing a "well-fitted and properly worn" mask, like an N95, to help reduce exposure to fine particles found in the smoke.
<p On Thursday morning, Toronto ranked second in a global list of the most polluted cities according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. The city had even been first for part of Wednesday before slipping down the ranks.
WATCH | What to know about wildfire smoke in Toronto:
What you need to know about wildfire smoke blanketing Toronto
Toronto residents are expressing their concerns about air quality as a thick layer of wildfire smoke covers the city. CBC’s Clara Pasieka explains what you should know regarding the poor air conditions.
The air quality warning was initially issued on Tuesday night and is expected to improve by Friday or over the weekend, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Owsiak.
He mentioned that winds will likely shift later in the week and help “flush” out some of the smoke.
All city-run outdoor pools will stay closed on Thursday afternoon because of air quality issues, as stated in a bulletin from Toronto on Wednesday afternoon. Camp TO trips and other outdoor programs have also been canceled by the city.
Toronto has also set up six “cleaner air spaces” at City Hall, Metro Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, York Civic Centre, and East York Civic Centre.
Peel Public Health issued its own warning on Wednesday as well; it advised residents who stay indoors to avoid smoking, vaping, frying foods or vacuuming so they can keep indoor pollution levels down.
Smoke and Poor Air Quality Becoming ‘New Normal’ During Wildfire Season: Expert
An expert says people should get used to seeing smoke or feeling its effects during wildfires moving forward. Jeffrey Siegel is a professor at the University of Toronto specializing in air quality research.
“I believe that this is the new normal; the data shows that very clearly,” he said while adding that provinces and municipalities need better strategies for protecting public health during these times. p></h2
Siegel noted there’s no safe amount of time people can spend outside right now. But anyone going outdoors should wear a mask and cut back on physical activity.<
“This is obviously not a good time to exercise outside for all of us-healthy or otherwise,” he said.<
He cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke could raise health risks for illnesses such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.<
The national weather agency warned residents may experience symptoms like headaches, eye irritation, throat discomforts,<wheezingand chest pain.<
Seniors, pregnant individuals, younchildren, and people with pre-existing health issues are more vulnerableto wildfire smokes impactso They’re urgedto stay insideand seek medical attentionif they start showing symptoms.<
If you’re staying indoors, the weatheragency suggests keeping windowsand doors closedas muchas possible.<
A numberof individuals tookto social mediaearly Thursdaymorning commentingsmellof smokewithin their homes. Siegel explainedthat this isn’tunexpected but offered tipsfor reducingbothsmellsand impacts. He suggestedthatthosewith centralforced airsystensshould runfansandensuregood filtersarein place. Anyonewithout such systemscan either buyor make their ownportable filter. he added.”If you runthatfan, you’reconstantly cleaningtheair,” hesaid.
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