Toronto’s air quality is among the worst in the world as wildfire smoke from the Prairies fills the skies across the GTA with gritty, hazy dust.
This comes as a special air quality statement, originally issued by Environment Canada on Saturday, says the wildfire is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout the region.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” said the statement.
Statements and warnings issued by the national weather service stretch from western British Columbia into eastern Prince Edward Island as more than 700 wildfires burn across Canada.
Environment Canada warns that as the smoke level increases, health risks increase as well.
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough,” it said. “Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
The Ontario government says air-quality health index levels are expected to be at seven or “high risk” on Monday.
According to the World Air Quality Index, Toronto had some of the worst air quality in the world, sitting at No. 2 ahead of Montreal as of Sunday evening, and third Monday morning.