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Orange Alert: Severe Air Quality Grips GTA
17 Jul
Summary
- Wildfire smoke causes very poor air quality across GTA.
- Health risks are high for everyone, especially vulnerable groups.
- Toronto ranked fourth among most polluted cities globally.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is currently under an orange-level air quality warning due to persistent smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario. Environment Canada reported "very poor air quality" and reduced visibility on Friday morning, with temporary afternoon relief expected before heavy smoke returns Friday night and into the weekend.
Environment Canada stressed that during heavy smoke conditions, everyone's health is at risk, regardless of age or health status. The agency advises rescheduling or cancelling all outdoor activities.
Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) have decreased compared to Thursday. As of Friday morning, Toronto recorded 71 to 176 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) of PM 2.5. However, Brampton and Mississauga registered higher levels at 218 μg/m³ and 206 μg/m³, respectively, while Oshawa reported 40 μg/m³.
The province's air quality health index indicated a "very high risk" (10+) for Brampton, Mississauga, and most of Toronto. Toronto East was at a "high risk" (8), and Oshawa at a "moderate risk" (4).
Residents may experience symptoms such as headaches, eye and throat irritation, and wheezing. Seniors, pregnant individuals, young children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable and are advised to avoid outdoor exposure.
On Friday morning, Toronto was ranked fourth among the world's most polluted cities according to IQAir.
