Outdoor school sports cancelled due to air quality in Mississauga and Brampton
Published June 7, 2023 at 1:25 pm
As the air quality continues to deteriorate in Mississauga, Brampton and across southern Ontario, public schools are cancelling or limiting outdoor activities.
Much of southern Ontario is under a special air quality statement from Environment Canada with some forecasters predicting this will be the worst air quality the province has ever seen.
The smoke has drifted from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is forecast to reach the moderate to high-risk level in Peel. Those with heart or breathing problems are at greater health risk under these conditions and should reduce strenuous activities outdoors.
And the Peel District School Board announced it is cancelling all strenuous outdoor activities, including athletic events, scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8.
Outdoor recesses may continue, the board adds. But students are encouraged to avoid strenuous activity and schools will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to stay inside or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.
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“Children, including teenagers, are at a higher risk from outdoor air pollution because, when outdoors, they are often active,” a press release from the Peel District School Board reads. “Young people are also more likely to have asthma and their lungs are still developing.”
The school board is suggesting students monitor how they are feeling for symptoms. The health impacts associated with poor air quality may be felt several days after the poor air quality event.
Schools are continuing to optimize air quality in schools through improved air filtration.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board also issued a release today (June 7).
Outdoor recesses will be shortened in length today and tomorrow, the community information bulletin from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board says.
“Students will be encouraged to avoid strenuous activity and schools will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to stay inside or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation,” the release states.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and may provide updated information based on future developments.”
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