Air quality watches, statements issued for a large portion of Ontario

With wildfire smoke looming over Ontario, Environment Canada has issued air quality watches and statements for a large portion of the province.

With wildfire smoke looming over Ontario, Environment Canada has issued air quality watches and statements for a large portion of the province.

The statements run from Sarnia and London north into Fort Albany and include Moosonee, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, and vary depending on location.

London and Sarnia are expected to be dealing with wildfire smoke throughout Thursday. Conditions are expected to improve overnight but could continue into Friday, according to Environment Canada.

Farther north, the conditions are expected to last for several days, with the agency warning that “as smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”

The watches, which are considered more serious, extend from Attawapiskat west into Saskatchewan as well as from Kirkland Lake north into the northeastern portion of Quebec.

Environment Canada warned that “during heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.”

In both cases, it says to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor events or activities.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough,” the federal agency said, before warning people to seek medical treatment in cases of emergency.