Pollution health risk leads to air quality advisory in Mississauga and Brampton

High levels of pollution and rising temperatures could cause health risks for people in Mississauga, Brampton and parts of the GTA on Tuesday.

A special air quality statement was issued shortly before 11 a.m. with the possibility of high levels of air pollution across much of southern Ontario in the afternoon and evening.

Environment Canada says hot and sunny conditions are likely to increase the concentration of ozone at ground level north of Lake Ontario. The air quality advisory is in effect for Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington and Oakville.

“Moderate risk (Air Quality Health Index) values are expected throughout the day with the potential of short-term high-risk AQHI values in the afternoon and evening,” the agency said in the statement.

The agency says exposure to air pollution is a greater concern for children, the elderly, and anyone with an underlying medical condition such as lung or heart disease. Residents with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, are especially at risk.

Environment Canada says symptoms include:

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• increased coughing
• throat irritation
• headaches
• shortness of breath

Environment Canada says to stay indoors as much as possible, stay hydrated by drinking water, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors, and avoid leaving people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Weather warnings have already been issued for Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and other cities on Tuesday as what’s being called a “prolonged heat event” stretched into another day.

Daytime highs this week are expected to reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, feeling more like 40 to 45 degrees with the humidity.

A high of 33 degrees is expected on Tuesday afternoon, with a risk of thunderstorms starting later in the afternoon and continuing into the evening.