Smoke from forest fires in northern Ontario causes “significant deterioration” of air quality in Toronto on Monday morning, warns Environment Canada. The Air Health rating reached level 10+ at 8 a.m. on Monday, meaning that air quality poses a “very high” risk for health.
Poor air quality could persist throughout the day and possibly until Tuesday in certain regions
explains Environment Canada on its website.
During dense smoke periods, each person is exposed to risks, whatever their age or state of health
lit-on.
Video: What to do when the air quality degrades?
Photo : Radio-Canada / Patrick Morrell
People aged 65 and over, pregnant people, babies and young children, people with a chronic health or health problem and people working outside are however more likely to be inconvenienced
.
Limit the time you spend outside. Reorganize or cancel sports, activities or events outside.
When you are inside, keep the windows and doors closed as much as possible. In case of extreme heat and poor air quality
the priority is to stay cool, adds Environment Canada.
Among the most polluted cities in the world
According to the air quality index of the IQAir company (new window)the air quality in Toronto was the second worst in the world at 9 a.m. Monday, after Baghdad in Iraq. Later in the morning, the city fell thirdly.
In the last days, two First Nations in the north of the province – the first nation of North Spirit Lake and the Pikangikum First Nation – had to be evacuated due to the fires. The fires rage in several sectors north of Kenora and Dryden.
The quality of the air was also strongly deteriorated in Toronto in June, due to the smoke of the forest fires.