Smoke from wildfires continues to linger over southwestern Ontario, affecting air quality and causing difficulties for those with respiratory issues.
Environment Canada has extended a special air quality statement, saying the smoke from forest fires may continue through today and potentially into tomorrow.
Officials say as smoke levels increase, so do the health risks. Residents with breathing difficulties are urged to limit time outdoors, and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
Residents 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.
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are over 700 active wildfires burning across Canada, and figures from QAir, a Swiss air quality technology company showed Detroit and Toronto with some of the worst air quality in the world on Monday.
