High levels of air pollution continue due to smoke plumes in Mississauga, Brampton and beyond

Mississauga | Brampton | Ontario | Weather |

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Published June 29, 2023 at 10:48 am

air quality statement mississauga
Forest fires are seen at the northern border of Ontario and Quebec. Photo by Jamie Gaunt, fire manager with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The special air quality statement continues today in Mississauga, Brampton and much of southern Ontario due to smoke from forest fires.

Environment Canada issued a statement yesterday but the high levels of air pollution are continuing today (June 29) and tomorrow.

“High levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires will likely return today or tonight,” this morning’s statement from Environment Canada reads.

While it seems clearer this morning, smoke plumes from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec is forecast to return to the area today or tonight.

The air quality is expected to deteriorate once again, Environment Canada says.

“The poor air quality will likely last into Friday.”

Yesterday (June 28), air quality reached peak high levels or “Very High Risk” at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., according to the Air Quality Health Index from Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

air quality statement mississauga

The ministry is predicting air quality will be at the moderate risk level this afternoon and tomorrow (June 30).

Environment Canada says air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

And the smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.

People with health conditions such as asthma or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell, Environment Canada advises.

Contact your healthcare provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

Check out the air quality index here.

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