Poor air quality, moderate risk level still affecting Ottawa-Gatineau

CBC

6 hours ago

The Ottawa-Gatineau region is still experiencing poor air quality from drifting wildfire smoke, prompting Environment Canada to maintain its special air quality statements into Saturday.
The agency issued the statements for most of the region on Friday as of 7 a.m., which spread to blanket all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
As of 9 a.m. Saturday, Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area had its special air quality statement lifted, but the statement is still in place in Ontario as far south as Smith's Falls and stretching east all the way to the Georgian Bay.
In western Quebec, the statement stretches east along the Quebec-U.S. border and north stopping short of Val-d'Or.
The Air Quality Health Index for downtown Ottawa was six, or moderate risk, on Saturday as of 9 a.m. On Friday, it had risen to the highest level which Environment Canada issues (10+, or very high).
Saturday morning's index for other eastern Ontario communities were, as of 9 a.m.:
Four, or moderate risk, in Kingston.
Five, or moderate risk, in Belleville.
Five, or moderate risk, in Cornwall.
The smoke may pose health risks, Environment Canada said, advising people in affected areas to limit time outdoors and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit also warned of health risks and advised residents to watch for symptoms including:
Eye, nose and throat irritation.
Coughing.
Headaches.
Dizziness.
Chest pains.
Difficulty breathing.
Both agencies said people over 65, pregnant people, children, people with pre-existing health conditions and people who work outdoors are more likely to be impacted by air pollution.
Wildfires are raging across Western Canada, with B.C, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all battling blazes.
Air quality warnings were issued from the Alberta-B.C. border into Labrador as of Friday morning and largely remain in place as of 9 a.m. Saturday.