‘Very high risk’: Peel Region issues air quality warning — overnight levels to top out at 10-plus, will remain at 9 on Thursday

Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon residents urged to monitor AQHI readings, reduce outdoor activities and take precautions amid deteriorating air quality and hot weather.

Peel Public Health has issued an orange-level air quality alert as wildfire smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario continues to affect air quality across the region, including Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Ontario, as of 5 p.m. July 15, Brampton is already considered high risk at 7 with Mississauga at 6. But both cities are slated to max out at 10-plus overnight, dropping only slightly to 9 on Thursday.

Both 9 and 10-plus are considered “very high risk.” Caledon readings are not included on the index. “Poor air quality poses risks to everyone’s health, but particularly for at-risk individuals,” stated Dr. Alexa Caturay, Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health in the July 15 news release.

“We are urging residents to take precautions and check on those who may be more vulnerable to health impacts from wildfire smoke. Check the Air Quality Index often and monitor any symptoms.” Health risks of poor air quality Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.

Symptoms may include: - Eye, nose and throat irritation - Headaches - Wheezing or asthma attacks - Dizziness - Runny nose - Difficulty breathing - Coughing - Chest pain Older adults, children, pregnant people, individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, and people who work outdoors are at a higher risk. How to stay safe during poor air quality events Residents are encouraged to monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) regularly and take steps to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke, including: - Limiting outdoor activities whenever possible. - Keeping windows and doors closed if indoor temperatures remain comfortable (below 26°C).

Prioritize staying cool during extreme heat events, even if it means opening windows or seeking air-conditioned spaces. - Using clean HVAC filters or certified portable air cleaners to improve indoor air quality. - Wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator to reduce exposure to fine particles.

- Visiting air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries or community centres with cleaner, cooler indoor air. - Reducing indoor air pollution by avoiding smoking or vaping, burning candles or incense, frying foods, using wood stoves, and vacuuming. - Ensuring heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system filters are clean and using the highest-rated filter compatible with the system.

Caledon, Mississauga, Brampton take action In response to deteriorating air quality, the Town of Caledon has imposed a temporary open-air fire ban until further notice. The Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services has also enacted an open-air fire restriction, cancelling all burn permits and prohibiting the use of wood-burning devices, including fire pits, chimineas, bonfires and outdoor fireplaces. The ban does not apply to barbecues, cooking appliances, or small cooking and ceremonial fires.

For more info, visit Open air burning – City of Mississauga Mississauga is also advising residents to recirculate indoor air where possible and consider spending time in public spaces such as libraries, community centres and shopping malls, which often have better air filtration systems. Brampton modifies programs Summer camps and outdoor programs have moved activities indoors where possible, outdoor-only programs without indoor alternatives have been cancelled, and renters of sports fields and outdoor facilities may cancel bookings without penalty. Cooling locations, including City Hall, recreation centres and libraries, remain open.

Splash pads, wading pools and other outdoor water amenities continue operating, weather permitting. City-led events, including the Garden Square live screening, are proceeding as scheduled. Residents can stay informed by checking current AQHI readings through the WeatherCAN app.

For more information about air quality and potential health impacts, visit the Government of Canada’s air quality website.