London's air quality 'high risk' Wednesday as forest fire smoke blankets region
CBC
The City of London has cancelled outdoor programming scheduled for Wednesday as air quality in the city worsens.
London's air quality is at high risk levels for people with respiratory issues as smoke from forest fires in northern Ontario and Quebec continues to hang over the region.
Environment Canada anticipates the air quality will deteriorate Wednesday, with air pollution levels reaching level 10, or the highest level on the index, across the day.
All city-operated grass soccer fields, baseball diamonds and cricket pitches are closed and rentals for those facilities have been cancelled, according to a statement released by the City of London.
Community centres and library branches will remain open.
The smell of smoke and reduced visibility could not be ignored on Tuesday night and early Wednesday, with some Londoners on the streets wearing masks for protection.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit warned people to put a pause on strenuous outdoor activity and to be especially cautious if suffering from a respiratory problem. It was a message reiterated by other health units Wednesday.
"Wildfire smoke can harm health, even if you cannot smell it. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include sore or watery eyes, runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, and headache," said Southwestern Public Health in a statement.
The smoke first made an appearance in the region Tuesday afternoon with some sports teams cancelling practice out of an abundance of caution.
"Organizations may consider rescheduling outdoor athletic activities and events depending on the vulnerabilities of their participants," said the Middlesex London Health Unit in a statement Wednesday.
The Thames Valley District School Board said outdoor activities would continue as normal with teachers and students asked to monitor their symptoms. It said windows and doors in schools should be kept closed where possible.
Environment Canada said it expects the air quality in southwestern Ontario to begin to improve Thursday and into the weekend.
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