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Wildfires

Wildfire Smoke Eases in Toronto, but Air Quality Still a Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Residents of Toronto and southern Ontario have been dealing with wildfire smoke that has drifted into the city, causing air quality concerns. Despite skies clearing up on Thursday, residents remain under "moderate risk," according to Environment Canada's air quality index. Those with heart and lung conditions are urged to reschedule outdoor activities, and the general population is advised to watch for symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toronto has regularly jumped on and off the world's worst air quality list during the latest bout of wildfire smoke.
  • The haze over the city was expected to ease Thursday morning with pollution levels dropping to moderate.
  • According to IQAir, a Swiss air technology company, Toronto's PM2.5 levels Wednesday evening were 7.7 times more than what the World Health Organization recommends.
  • Measuring stations downtown, in the Danforth neighbourhood, East York, and the Annex recorded the worst air quality in Toronto.
  • In southern Ontario, Uxbridge is seeing the worst of the smoke, with IQAir warning that everyone there is at risk of aggravating their heart and lungs.
  • Kitchener, London, Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, and Waterloo were also hit hard, but conditions were expected to ease Thursday morning with winds blowing some smoke away.

Statistics:

  • PM2.5 levels in Toronto on Wednesday evening: 7.7 times above the World Health Organization's recommended levels
  • Worst air quality recorded in Toronto: downtown, Danforth neighbourhood, East York, and the Annex
  • Areas in southern Ontario affected by wildfire smoke: Uxbridge, Kitchener, London, Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, and Waterloo
  • Expected easing of smoke conditions in Toronto: Thursday morning
  • Expected easing of smoke conditions in southern Ontario: Thursday morning

Sources:

  • Kristjan Lautens, Toronto Star (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • Environment Canada (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • IQAir (no date mentioned in the original text)

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