Poor air quality in southwestern Ontario, caused by the forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario, may persist for most of the week.
Environment Canada issued several special air quality statements Tuesday evening and said high levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke.
As of Wednesday morning, the statements were still in effect for Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, London-Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties, and Huron-Perth.
The national weather agency said the air quality can change from hour to hour and residents should do what they can to reduce their exposure.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” read the weather statement.
People with lung or heart disease, older adults, and young children are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
Environment Canada also advised those who spend time outdoors to consider wearing a mask.
“These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health,” read the statement. “However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.”
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined other federal government leaders to provide an update on Canada’s wildfire situation. Trudeau said that based on federal data, this may be an especially severe wildfire season across the country, throughout the summer.
