Parts of GTA under special air quality statement Friday amid wildfire smoke
Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities are under a special air quality statement Friday morning as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, Environment Canada said in a statement early Friday morning. The smoke is expected to last from Friday morning into the early afternoon.
The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket and Georgina.
It is also in effect further north for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale.
Environment Canada issued a similar special air quality statement for much of Ontario on Thursday.
People are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities or events, the federal weather agency said in Friday's statement.
Those who must spend time outdoors are advised to wear a "well-constructed, will-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask" such as an N95 mask, Environment Canada said.
These masks can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke, but there can still be risks to health, the statement read.
When indoors, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner may help protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Environment Canada said.
People may experience "mild and common symptoms" such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the federal weather agency said.
More serious and less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People are advised to seek immediate medical assistance if they think they are having a medical emergency.
Seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with existing illness or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors are the most likely to be impacted by outdoor health pollution, Environment Canada said.
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