Ottawa’s air quality among the worst in the world as wildfire smoke blankets the region

Ottawa had some of the worst air quality in the world Friday as wildfire smoke covered the city. CTV’s Kimberley Fowler reports.

The City of Ottawa is experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world due to wildfire smoke on Friday, with the poor air quality expected to continue into Saturday.

A special air quality statement remains in effect for Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec, warning smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

“High risk air quality due to wildfire smoke is expected over the area overnight. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” Environment Canada said in an updated statement at 5 p.m. Friday.

“Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

Ottawa’s air quality was rated 10+ or “Very High Risk” at 4 p.m., after a slight improvement earlier in the day. The Air Quality Health Index shows Ottawa’s air quality will be or 10 or “High Risk” tonight, improving to “5-Moderate Risk” tomorrow.

• Special air quality statement in effect for eastern Ontario, western Quebec

According to www.firesmoke.ca, smoke from wildfires in western Canada continues to blanket all of Ontario, western New York State and most of Quebec. The smoke will linger over Ottawa Saturday and Sunday.

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says when the Air Quality Health Index is at “High Risk,” people with heart or breathing problems should “reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.” Children and the elderly should also take it easy, according to officials.

• A warning from Canadian eye doctors about wildfires and smoke

The general population is urged to “consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.”

Environment Canada says you should keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible due to the wildfire smoke.

“We have these massive fires going on out west in Manitoba, in Saskatchewan, and all this smoke is being lofted high up into the atmosphere and then you have the jet stream, the strong winds higher up in the atmosphere blowing it over to Ontario,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke.

“Even if you’re not smelling it at the ground, you’re probably noticing the sky is a bit of milky colour, kind of a white colour, this is all smoke that’s just been blown over from these massive prairie fires.”

Health Canada says wildfire smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour that contains ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, fire particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The fine particles represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke.

Common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include headaches, a mild cough, a production of mucus and nose, throat, eye and sinus irritation.

According to the Ontario government, air quality will be a “5-Moderate Risk” on Saturday.

Worst air quality in Canada

Ottawa has some of the worst air quality in Canada on Friday afternoon.

According to Swiss air quality tracker IQAir, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal have unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.

At 5 p.m., Ottawa’s air quality was at 183, while Montreal was at 166 and Toronto was at 168.

Tips for pets

The Ottawa Humane Society is recommending people limit the amount of time their pets stay outside during the smoky weather conditions. Cat owners are urged to keep felines indoors.

“The smoke in the air can irritate a pet’s eyes and their respiratory tracts,” Dr. Shelley Hutchings said in a statement. “Older pets, pets with heart and lung conditions, and short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs might be more affected by the smoke in the air.”

Signs to watch for in your pets include coughing or gagging, nasal discharge and red or water eyes.

“More concerning symptoms include difficulty breathing, which could manifest as open-mouth breathing, more noise with breathing or fast breathing,” the humane society said.

Ottawa weather

Environment Canada’s forecast calls for partly cloudy tonight with local smoke. Low 14.

Saturday will have a mix of sun and cloud, with local smoke in the afternoon. High 25 C, with the humidex making it feel like 26.

Sunday will see increasing cloudiness. High 25 C.

The outlook for Monday calls for cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 22 C.

A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers on Tuesday. High 22 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 12 C.