The skies over ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ were among the most polluted in the world Thursday as smoke from the Prairies wildfires lingered throughout the city.
, a Swiss air technology company, marked ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ with the fourth worst air quality among major cities around the globe in the morning.
The city had dipped to 10th place by 12:30 p.m., ahead of Kolkata, India and Dubai, U.A.E., withÌýKinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in first place.ÌýBy 2 p.m., ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½’s air had improved and the city dropped to 13th place.
The air quality was also considered to be “moderate”Ìý— down from IQAir’s earlier designation of “unhealthy for sensitive groups”Ìý— by early afternoon.
Around 6:30 p.m., the city was back in the top 10 although air quality in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ was rated no worse than during the afternoon.Ìý
Residents have been battling the haze for most of the week and air quality in the city is expected to remain the same over the next couple of days.Ìý
IQAirÌýwarns that skies are filled with PM2.5, a pollutant made up of particles that can include smoke, soot, mould, bacteria or animal dander that are commonly found in wildfire smoke. Experts say the particles are distinctly dangerous because they are so small, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, and can be absorbed into the bloodstream during breathing.Ìý
On Thursday evening,ÌýÎÚÑ»´«Ã½’s PM2.5 concentration climbed toÌýmore than 6.8Ìýtimes more than the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Areas around Greenwood and Danforth, The Beaches and The Annex are getting the worst of it, according to IQAir’s recording stations.
Those with heart and lung conditions are urged to consider rescheduling outdoor activities and recommends everyone should be aware of developing symptoms such as a cough or sore throat.
The government agency suggests the air quality will stay at “moderate risk” levels until at least Saturday.
Ottawa, Uxbridge, Brampton and NepeanÌýhad the worst air quality in the province Thursday evening with the air over those communities also being choked by wildfire smoke, according IQAir.
How will conditions affect me?
The smoke might provoke mild symptoms, including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, Environment Canada said.
Wheezing, chest pains and severe coughing is indicative of more serious symptoms and suggest you should head inside, the agency added, noting anyone having a medical emergency should seek immediate help.
If you want to keep the smoke out of your home you should shut the windows and doors or try using air filters and ventilation systems to combat the pollutants.
You can reduce your exposure to fine particles in the outdoor smoke by wearing a well-fitting, respirator-type mask, like a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, the agency said.
Environment Canada forecast
As the wildfire smoke hung in the air throughout the city Thursday, 27 C temperatures felt like 33 with humidity. Temperatures are expected dip to a low of 20 C at night.Ìý
The work week willÌýcapÌýoff with a mix of sun and cloudsÌýFriday and a high of 30ÌýC that feels like a sticky 36 with humidity. Clouds will roll in by nighttime, along with a low ofÌý20ÌýC.
A sunny Saturday is in store with temperatures reaching 31 C before they drop to a low of 21 C at night.
Sunday is also forecast to be hot with a high of 32 C, and a mix of sun and clouds leading into a 30 per cent chance of showers. Nighttime temperatures are expected to fall to a still-warm 21 C.
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