Toronto ranked as the fourth most polluted major city globally on Friday due to lingering wildfire smoke, according to a report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. The city trailed behind Detroit, U.S., Delhi, India, and Montreal, which held the third spot as it also grappled with wildfire smoke from western provinces.
By 9 p.m. on Friday, Toronto’s air quality reached a level of seven on Environment Canada’s air quality health index, indicating a high-risk level. Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and neighboring communities were under a special air quality statement due to ongoing wildfires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Environment Canada warned of poor air quality and reduced visibility caused by the wildfire smoke, with the situation expected to persist into Friday night. The affected areas included Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket, and Georgina.
Residents were advised to limit outdoor activities and use well-fitted respirator masks like N95 masks when spending time outside. It was recommended to keep windows and doors closed indoors, and use air filters or portable air cleaners to safeguard indoor air quality from wildfire smoke.
Symptoms of exposure to the smoke may include mild irritations in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with headaches and coughing. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms like wheezing, chest pains, or persistent coughing were urged to seek immediate medical attention. Vulnerable populations such as seniors, pregnant women, children, individuals with existing health conditions, and outdoor workers were at higher risk of health impacts from outdoor air pollution.
Toronto Pearson International Airport reassured that its operations were not expected to be affected by the smoke. It is essential for communities to support and monitor those most susceptible to the health effects of outdoor pollution during these challenging air quality conditions.
