Air quality is deteriorating as smoke from northern Ontario wildfires continues to drift across the region.
Thursday morning, Environment Canada upgraded its air quality warning for the area from yellow to orange.
There are air quality warnings from Thunder Bay to Kingston and down to Toronto, London and Windsor, with smoke expected to blanket these areas until tomorrow.
The smoke is even drifting down into the northeastern United States.
Read Environment Canada’s Orange Air Quality warning below:
Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Conditions may improve this afternoon or evening for some locations before possibly deteriorating again late Friday or Saturday.
During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.
Limit time outdoors.
Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.
You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.
Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
