Special air quality statement continues in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and Ontario

By Karen Longwell

Published June 7, 2023 at 7:30 am

Forest fire smoke from Quebec continues to hang over Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and beyond as the special air quality statement continues.

High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario, according to the statement from Environment Canada today (June 7).

The statement was first issued yesterday.

The poor air quality will persist into the weekend, Environment Canada now says.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health even at low concentrations.

Environment Canada suggests people continue to take actions to protect their health and reduce exposure to smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

"Stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms," the statement reads.

Keep indoor air clean by keeping doors and windows closed or use an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.

These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. 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.

Smoke is in the forecast until at least Thursday (June 8).