Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, under air quality advisory, likely until Tuesday

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Published July 19, 2021 at 10:55 pm

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Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville are bearing the brunt of effects from smoke from active forest fires in northwestern Ontario that has drifted south.

Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement that covers Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, Caledon, Hamilton, Milton and Oakville. The federal weather agency says elevated particulate matter levels and hazy conditions have been reported at several stations. Reduced visibilities and deteriorating air quality are possible if the smoke descends to ground level. 

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

According to aqicn.org, which tracks air quality indexes, Mississauga’s air quality at this writing is 161, which is considered unhealthy.

Oakville is next-highest in the Southern Ontario region outside of Toronto at 155, and Brampton’s air quality has been measured at 147. All are considered to be in the unhealthy range.

Readings for Hamilton range from 107 to 114, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Burlington is relatively unscathed at 93.

Conditions are expected to improve Tuesday (July 20) with the passage of a cold front.

Air quality can also be tracked at iqair.com.

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