Wildfire smoke to push London’s air quality to very high risk

The air quality warning comes as London remains under a heat warning.

Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario has prompted an orange-level air quality warning for London and surrounding areas, with Environment Canada forecasting poor air quality through Friday. The air quality health index is currently rated low risk, but the national weather agency says conditions will worsen throughout Wednesday as wildfire smoke moves into the region. The AQHI is expected to reach the very high-risk category by Wednesday evening as smoke levels increase.

The air quality warning comes as London remains under a yellow-level heat warning. Hot and humid conditions are also contributing to deteriorating air quality. Heat and air quality warnings are issued when conditions are expected to pose elevated health risks.

People aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, and those with existing health conditions are more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke, but Environment Canada says everyone’s health is at risk during periods of heavy smoke. People are advised to limit their time outdoors or wear a well-constructed, well-fitting respirator, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 mask, if they must spend time outside. Residents may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.

In more serious, but less common, cases, Environment Canada advises seeking medical attention for symptoms including wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough. Londoners should also watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.