The True Post (Web News)Wildfire smoke from the Prairies has blanketed the Greater Toronto Area, with hazy and polluted skies expected to persist until Monday.
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement on Saturday, warning that smoke rising from prairie wildfires is polluting the air and significantly reducing visibility.
The statement noted that due to the wildfire smoke, air quality and visibility may vary even over short distances, and could change noticeably from hour to hour.
Over 700 wildfires are currently burning across the country, with weather warnings in effect from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island. The weather agency cautioned that as smoke concentrations increase, so do the associated health risks.
Residents may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More serious but less common effects can include wheezing, chest pain, or severe coughing. Officials advised people to consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, events, and other activities.
According to the Ontario government, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is expected to reach level seven considered a “high risk” by Monday.
As of Sunday evening, Toronto ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, with Montreal in third place, according to the World Air Quality Index.
