A thick, smoky haze continues to envelop the Greater Toronto Area as an orange-level air quality warning is still in place Thursday from Environment Canada.
The air quality health index (AQHI) across the GTA, including Mississauga, downtown Toronto and Oshawa, was at 10+ or at “very high risk” as of 9 a.m. Thursday. On Wednesday, AQHI levels were at 10+ until noon and then decreased down to 7 through the day.
Drifting smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility for much of southern Ontario, according to Environment Canada.
The national weather agency warned that everyone’s health, regardless of age or condition, was at risk due to heavy smoke conditions.
It urged people to limit time outdoors and to either reschedule or cancel outdoor events. For those going outside, the weather agency advised people to wear a “well-fitted and properly worn” mask, such as N95, to reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke.
Toronto ranked second on Thursday morning in a list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to a global ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. For some time on Wednesday, the city was first before dropping down in the ranks.
Toronto residents say they’re concerned about the air quality as a heavy layer of wildfire smoke blankets the city. CBC’s Clara Pasieka breaks down what you need to know about the poor air quality.
The air quality warning was first issued on Tuesday night and it’s expected to ease by Friday or the weekend, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Owsiak.
He said the smoke will likely “flush” out with the shift in wind direction coming later in the week.
Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said her eyes “started burning” as soon as she stepped out the door this morning.
She said there is fine particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5, in the air from the smoke, which can get into your lungs and cause various health impacts from exposure over time.
The air quality scores are at 250 in downtown Toronto, while a normal health number is usually at 30, she said.
“I wish those were our soccer scores instead of our air quality scores, but that’s where we are,” Murti told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.
Smoke, poor air quality is ‘new normal’ during wildfire season: expert
People should get used to seeing smoke or other impacts from wildfires in the near future, said Jeffrey Siegel, a University of Toronto professor who researches air quality.
“I believe that this is the new normal, the data shows that very, very clearly,” he said, adding the province and municipalities should develop more strategies to mitigate impacts to health.
Siegel said there is no safe suggestion for how much time people can spend outdoors. But anyone venturing out should wear a mask and limit physical activity.
“This is obviously not a good time to exercise outside for all of us, healthy and otherwise,” he said.
Murti warned that extended exposure to smoke over time can exacerbate health conditions like asthma and increase the risk for cancer, dementia and neurodevelopmental delays in children.
Environment Canada warned residents may experience symptoms including headaches, eye and throat irritation, wheezing or chest pains.
Seniors, pregnant people, young children, people who work outdoors and those with existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by the wildfire smoke. They’re advised to avoid going outdoors and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Use air purifiers to reduce smoke smell indoors: experts
For those staying indoors, the weather agency advised on keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Several people took to social media early Thursday morning to note the smell of smoke inside their homes. That is not unexpected, said Siegel, but noted there are ways to reduce the smell and any impacts.
He advised people with a central forced air system to have the fan running and to ensure a good filter is in place. Anyone without that system can either purchase or build their own portable filter, he said.
Murti said people should avoid turning on exhaust fans that bring in outdoor air and to set ventilation systems to recirculate air inside.
She also recommended people dig out air purifiers they may have purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All city-run outdoor pools will remain closed Thursday closed mid-afternoon due to the air quality, Toronto said in a bulletin Wednesday afternoon. CampTO trips and outdoor programs have also been cancelled, the city said.
Toronto has also has opened six “cleaner air spaces” at City Hall, Metro Hall, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and East York Civic Centre.
Murti said the city has tested the air quality in all of those locations to ensure smoke is being properly filtered out.
Peel Public Health also issued a warning Wednesday, adding residents staying indoors should avoid smoking, vaping, frying foods and vacuuming to reduce air pollution inside.
