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
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.