Toronto is currently the second most polluted major city in the world as wildfire smoke spreads across the city, according to a global tracker.
The ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, puts the city below Santiago, Chile, and above Montreal, which is in third place as it also faces wildfire smoke from western provinces.
As of noon Friday, air quality in Toronto was above 10 on Environment Canada’s air quality health index, which means “very high risk,” according to the weather agency’s website.
A value between four to six is considered moderate risk, while seven to 10 is high risk, the website reads.
Parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities are under a special air quality statement Friday as wildfires scorch Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, Environment Canada said in a statement early Friday morning. The smoke is expected to last from Friday morning into the early afternoon.
The air quality statement is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Pickering, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket and Georgina.
It is also in effect further north for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale.
Environment Canada issued a similar special air quality statement for much of Ontario on Thursday.
People are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities or events, the federal weather agency said in Friday’s statement.
Those who must spend time outdoors are advised to wear a “well-constructed, will-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask” such as an N95 mask, Environment Canada said.
These masks can reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke, but there can still be risks to health, the statement read.
When indoors, people are advised to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system or a certified portable air cleaner may help protect indoor air from wildfire smoke, Environment Canada said.
People may experience “mild and common symptoms” such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the federal weather agency said.
More serious and less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. People are advised to seek immediate medical assistance if they think they are having a medical emergency.
Seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with existing illness or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors are the most likely to be impacted by outdoor health pollution, Environment Canada said.
“Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution,” the statement read.
Toronto Pearson International Airport said it does not “anticipate any impacts to operations” as a result of the smoke, in a post on X on Friday.
Principals at the Toronto District School Board will keep an eye on the air quality health index throughout the day and decide whether to move outdoor recess or activities indoors, said Ryan Bird, a TDSB spokesperson.
They may consider moving indoors if the air quality reaches between seven and 10 on the index, he said.
“Students who wish to stay inside and/or students that are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms will be accommodated,” Bird said in an email to CBC Toronto.
When the air quality reaches level seven or above, schools will use their existing portable HEPA filter units, keep windows closed and minimize the opening and closing of external doors, he said.
If the air quality index reading goes above 10, “outdoor physical exertion should be avoided altogether,” he said.
