Smoke from Northern Ontario wildfires prompts Special Air Quality Statement for London region

Environment Canada issues special air quality statement for London and region as smoke from wildfires descends from the north.

A haze hung over the London region Thursday afternoon as smoke from Northern Ontario wildfires drifted into the area.

The poor air quality prompted Environment Canada to issue a Special Air Quality Statement for parts of southwestern Ontario, including London and Middlesex.

According to the Middlesex London Health Unit, air quality was expected to reach the high-risk category Thursday afternoon, before improving to low risk levels by Friday.

Anyone with respiratory concerns is advised to reduce outdoor activity.

In a statement Thursday, the health unit said as smoke increases, health risks also increase.

“You may experience mild symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” it said.

“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.”