Ontario Has Some of the Worst Air Quality in North America — Here’s What You Need to Know
Ontario is currently dealing with some of the worst air quality across North America. This is mainly because wildfire smoke from Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and northern Ontario has drifted into the province this week.
On Friday, many areas in Ontario had dangerously high levels of air pollution, according to the province’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Places with high health risks included: Belleville, Brampton, Brantford, Burlington, Cornwall, Grand Bend, Guelph, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Oakville, Oshawa, downtown Ottawa, Peterborough, Port Stanley, Sarnia, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Windsor.
The worst air quality levels were reported in downtown Ottawa, Belleville, and London.
What to Do When Air Quality Is Poor
When the air quality is bad, people in high-risk groups should avoid or reduce outdoor activities, especially anything active like sports or long walks. This includes people with heart or lung conditions, seniors, and children.
Even if you’re not in a high-risk group, it’s a good idea to cut back on outdoor exercise if you notice symptoms like coughing, sore throat, or breathing trouble.
The Air Quality Health Index was created to help people understand how air pollution can affect health, visibility, and even plants and animals.
More Areas Affected
According to the World’s Air Pollution Map, southern and southeastern Ontario also recorded poor air quality. Cities like Ottawa, Oshawa, Hamilton, Toronto, Oakville, Brampton, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Windsor, Newmarket, London, and Kingston were all rated as having “unhealthy” air.
An “unhealthy” rating means that anyone can start to feel symptoms — not just those in high-risk groups.
Flin Flon, Manitoba, had the worst air in Canada and all of North America, and parts of Alberta also showed “very unhealthy” air.
Warnings From Environment Canada
On Thursday, Environment Canada put out special air quality warnings for Ontario. The agency reminded people that bad air can lead to health issues, especially for children, seniors, and people with health problems.
Common symptoms include irritated eyes, nose, or throat, headaches, or mild coughing. In more serious cases, people may feel chest pain, wheezing, or have a strong cough. If symptoms are severe, get medical help right away.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to Environment Canada, these groups are most affected by poor air:
-
Seniors (65+)
-
Pregnant people
-
Babies and young children
-
People with long-term health problems
-
People who work outside
They should try to stay indoors and avoid hard physical activity when air quality is bad.
