High levels of wildfire smoke in Toronto, special air quality statement issued
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Sunday for various regions across Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area.
The statement was issued due to high levels of wildfire smoke in the province, which can cause increased air pollution and reduced visibility.
“Smoke plumes from active forest fires in northwestern Ontario might affect portions of southern Ontario this afternoon. Particulate matter combining with ground level ozone may deteriorate the air quality,” a release on the statement issued reads.
The agency warns residents who are exposed to wildfire smoke to take extra precautions, adding that wildfire smoke is a “constantly-changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can be harmful to your health,” especially to children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease.
Look out for symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
Conditions may persist into Monday, according to Environment Canada.
This week, hundreds of evacuees from northwestern Ontario First Nations were forced to call a Mississauga hotel their temporary home after wildfires threatened their communities.
According to Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as of July 24, there were over 150 active fires burning in the province.
The full list of regions with special air quality statements issued can be viewed here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.