Special air quality warning for Central and Southern Ontario
As of Monday, July 16, Environment Canada continues to warn that air quality remains poor across large portions of Central and Southern Ontario, with smoke from wildfires in Northern Ontario drifting southwards and causing reduced visibility and a heightened health risk in several regions.
The affected zones include Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Owen Sound, Northern Grey County, Listowel, Northern Perth County, Stratford, Southern Perth County, Waterloo, Wellington, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Angus, Halton Hills, Milton, Burlington, Oakville, and the City of Hamilton.
Smoke concentrations remain high due to ongoing wildfire activity further north. These elevated levels are expected to continue through the day and, in some locations, could persist into Tuesday, depending on wind direction and weather conditions. Visibility in some of these areas is significantly reduced, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Health Canada classifies the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for many of these zones as high risk, with fluctuations between 7 and 10+, particularly during peak smoke periods. This puts vulnerable populations at greater risk, including older adults, pregnant individuals, infants, young children, and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Those working outdoors in these areas should also be cautious, especially during early afternoon when smoke tends to concentrate closer to the ground.
Typical symptoms include eye, nose, or throat irritation, headaches, and mild coughing. However, more severe effects such as wheezing, chest discomfort, or prolonged coughing may indicate more serious exposure and require medical attention.
Environmental authorities recommend keeping windows and doors shut during this episode, especially for people in homes without air filtration systems. Those with access to portable HEPA air cleaners or central systems with high-efficiency filters are urged to use them to help limit indoor particle pollution.
In rare cases where outdoor activity is unavoidable, wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 mask, if fitted and worn properly, can help reduce the inhalation of harmful particles. Still, even with protective equipment, exposure to smoke poses health risks and should be minimized.
Residents across Southern Ontario are encouraged to stay informed by checking local forecasts and real-time air quality data via www.airhealth.ca and the Environment Canada website. Weather alerts remain active, and further updates will be issued as smoke conditions evolve across the region.
