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CBC
23 minutes ago
- CBC
Poor air quality expected to persist beyond long weekend in northwestern Ontario
Social Sharing Most of the province remains under air quality statements due to wildfire smoke from northern Ontario and the Prairies. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the alerts on Sunday, which extend across the northwest. More severe air quality warnings have been issued for several First Nations in the region, including: Pickle Lake — Cat Lake. Pikangikum — Poplar Hill — MacDowell. Sandy Lake — Weagamow Lake — Deer Lake. Monica Vaswani, a warning preparedness meteorologist with ECCC, told CBC News on Sunday that there is a high ridge of pressure over much of the province, which is making it difficult for clean air to come through. "Unfortunately, what it does is it traps the pollutants and kind of makes them linger. There's a good chance we're going to continue to see these statements and in other communities, even warnings, through to at least Tuesday," Vaswani said. "Likely by Wednesday, there should be an improvement." Common symptoms of poor air quality include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. Those most at risk include children, older adults, pregnant people, those with underlying health conditions, and people who work outdoors. WATCH | Scientists concerned wildfire smoke may become increasingly toxic Scientists concerned wildfire smoke may become increasingly toxic 10 days ago Some scientists say more research needs to be done on what toxic chemicals may be re-released into the air, as climate change makes a type of wetland that naturally stores pollution more vulnerable to fire. One of the challenges in trying to prepare for poor air conditions is how quickly air quality can fluctuate, especially as wildfires are constantly evolving, Vaswani explained. Furthermore, "as the weather changes, the wind direction changes, and that can really determine exactly where that poor air goes," she said. People at higher risk of experiencing symptoms are encouraged to consider wearing an N95 mask outdoors and to use an air filter indoors to protect themselves from pollutants, Vaswani said. Ontario Forest Fires says the wildland fire hazard remains high throughout much of the region, with areas of extreme hazard in the western parts of the Kenora and Red Lake fire management areas. The Thunder Bay, Nipigon and Sioux Lookout sectors are seeing high to moderate hazards, it says. As of Sunday afternoon, there were 54 wildfires burning across northern Ontario. Of these, nine are considered not under control. Tracking long-term health effects Stephanie Charles is a health promoter in environmental health at the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), based in Kenora. She said it's hard to gauge the cumulative effects of ongoing air quality alerts on people's health. "We are able to look at epidemiological data, like you could see hospital admissions for those usually with pre-existing conditions — the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, cardiovascular disease — and then you could overlay that with smoke events and smoke advisories," Charles told CBC's Up North. "The tricky thing about that is it's often lagging, so it's definitely an emerging science." While Thunder Bay and Winnipeg each have an air quality monitoring station, there are no such stations in areas in between, Charles said. To help bridge the gap, the NWHU has been working with ECCC and the University of Northern British Columbia to install particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality sensors in half a dozen locations in the region. "That also will help them to enhance their data they have on ground conditions for air quality, and hopefully lead to some better imaging or data management," said Charles. In the meantime, she said it's important for people to do their best to keep their homes insulated from the smoke outside. "Take it easy, don't overdo it, and just be mindful of the health symptoms," she said.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke from the Prairies prompts air quality advisory for parts of New Brunswick
The sunrise is seen through wildfire smoke over Peche Island in the Windsor, Ont., area on June, 12, 2025. (Source: Mark Hewer) Smoke from wildfires on the Prairies is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility for parts of New Brunswick. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement Sunday around 1:30 p.m. for the northern half of the province. The smoke is expected to hang around into the evening Sunday. The weather agency said most of the smoke is expected to stay high up in the air but some may settle near the ground resulting in reduced air quality. 'You 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. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,' said the special air quality statement. Environment Canada said people should limit their time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. '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 reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,' said the statement. The weather agency also recommends people keep their windows and doors closed as much as possible until the smoke clears. Air quality is expected to improve early Monday as a cold front moves through the province. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Forest fire smoke prompts air quality warning for Toronto
People take in a city view of Toronto on Monday July 14, 2025. The Air Quality Health Index rating for Toronto was over 10, or "very high risk,"from wildfire smoke on Monday morning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Toronto, warning that drifting wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout the day. The agency says the forest-fire smoke affecting much of southern Ontario may persist into Monday, in some areas. 'Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,' the agency said. Officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible, especially vulnerable people such as seniors, young children, people with health conditions, and those who work outdoors. It's advised that common symptoms of smoke exposure can include throat irritation, coughing, and headaches, while more severe reactions can include wheezing and chest pain. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency is asked to seek help immediately. Environment Canada recommends keeping windows and doors closed and using clean air filters or certified air purifiers indoors. 'If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,' the statement read.
