A special air quality statement is in effect for Toronto and all of southern and central Ontario due to smoke from forest fires moving into the region Thursday.
Environment Canada says smoke from forest fires over the Prairies is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility on Thursday.
“Especially through Thursday morning, that’s when the smoke may be at its thickest and poorest air quality through the morning,” said CityNews Chief Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai. “By the afternoon, that northeast wind is going to shove that smoke out of the way.
The Air Quality Health Index for downtown Toronto at 8 p.m. on Wednesday was 7, which is considered high risk.
As of 9 p.m., Toronto’s air quality was considered the sixth worst in the world, according to the World Air Quality Index.
People may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, according to Environment Canada. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
