Latest news with #respirator
CBC
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Parts of GTA under special air quality statement Friday amid wildfire smoke
Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities are under a special air quality statement Friday morning as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, Environment Canada said in a statement early Friday morning. The smoke is expected to last from Friday morning into the early afternoon. The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket and Georgina. It is also in effect further north for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale. Environment Canada issued a similar special air quality statement for much of Ontario on Thursday. People are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities or events, the federal weather agency said in Friday's statement. Those who must spend time outdoors are advised to wear a "well-constructed, will-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask" such as an N95 mask, Environment Canada said. These masks can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke, but there can still be risks to health, the statement read. When indoors, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner may help protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Environment Canada said. People may experience "mild and common symptoms" such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the federal weather agency said. More serious and less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People are advised to seek immediate medical assistance if they think they are having a medical emergency. Seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with existing illness or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors are the most likely to be impacted by outdoor health pollution, Environment Canada said.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Barrie, central Ontario under special air quality statement
The Simcoe Muskoka region and surrounding areas are among the many across the country that are expected to experience air quality impacts as wildfire smoke moves southeast. According to Environment Canada, Simcoe Muskoka and York Region are under a special air quality statement as wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. The alert is issued for Thursday night and could remain in effect for some areas on Friday. Symptoms The weather agency urges limiting outdoor activities as rising smoke levels cause rising health risks. The symptoms they list from inhaling smoky air include eye, nose, or throat irritation, as well as headaches or mild cough. Less common but more serious symptoms listed by Environment Canada include wheezing, chest pains, or severe cough. Those who they say are likely to be most impacted include seniors, expectant mothers, infants, young children, and people with a chronic health condition. How to stay protected Environment Canada recommends keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible and using an air filter or certified portable air cleaner. Those working outside are urged to wear a respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or an equivalent respirator. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) also released a notice Thursday afternoon, urging locals to stay hydrated, reduce activities if symptoms are experienced, and seek medical attention if necessary. The bottom line Environment Canada's air quality warnings and special air quality statements for Thursday span as far west as the affected wildfire regions themselves in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to as far east as the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Quebec. The Greater Toronto Area, the Simcoe Muskoka region, the Niagara region, Ottawa, Kingston and Thunder Bay are among the notable Ontario urban centres that are under special air quality statements.
