Toronto air quality at ‘very high risk' due to wildfire smoke — and is currently among the worst in the world

Toronto Star

a day ago

Toronto and the surrounding areas have been issued a special air quality statement as smoke from the wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan blow over southern Ontario on Friday.
Environment Canada has assigned Toronto a 10+ on the local air quality health index, which means it is 'very high risk.'
The city is also currently among the major cities with the worst air quality in the world, according to air quality technology company IQAir, which placed Toronto near the top of its ranking on Friday.
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By midday, Toronto climbed to second place with an air quality index score of 170. The company calculates regional scores based on measurements of pollutants in the air, noting the main pollutant choking Toronto's skies was fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5.
Environment Canada's special weather statement covers areas from Windsor to Ottawa, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area such as York, Peel and Durham regions.
As the smoke drifts into the province, Environment Canada is asking people to limit how much time they spend outside because, as smoke levels increase, so do the associated health risks.
The smoke is expected to spread across the Toronto area in the afternoon and evening before starting to lighten up around 10 p.m., according to FireSmoke Canada's forecast website. More smoke is forecasted to creep into Toronto by noon on Saturday.
The smoke is expected to spread across the Toronto area Friday before starting to lighten up around 10 p.m., according to FireSmoke Canada's forecast website.
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Aside from local smoke, Environment Canada forecasts Friday will be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 24 C. The UV index will be 8, which is very high.
At night, temperatures will cool to a low of 15 C with partial clouds.
The smoke could cause mild symptoms such as headaches, a mild cough or eye, nose and throat irritation. More serious effects such as wheezing, chest pains or a severe cough are also possible and anyone who might be experiencing a medical emergency should try to get medical help immediately.
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Some groups are more likely to be affected by the outdoor air pollution, such as those in their mid-60s or older, pregnant people, infants, young children, those who are immunocompromised and anyone who works outdoors.
Environment Canada is warning everyone to limit the amount of time they spend outside and consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities like sports.
The city is offering six 'cleaner air spaces' equipped with high-efficiency filtration systems, open to Torontonians during wildfire smoke events. Here are the locations of the sites:
Metro Hall between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays
North York Civic Centre open between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends
City Hall between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays
York Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays
East York Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays
Scarborough Civic Centre between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays
While inside, people should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to protect indoor air from wildfire smoke. If it comes down to choosing between avoiding smoky air or staying cool during an extreme heat event, the weather agency says people should prioritize keeping cool.