Warning of deteriorating air quality in Ottawa due to wildfire smoke

The Canadian authorities issued a warning about the air quality in the city of Ottawa, as smoke from wildfires burning in the province of Quebec continues to reach the capital, leading to a decline in air quality and an increase in pollution levels during Sunday hours.

The authorities urged residents to reduce the time they spend outdoors and postpone sports activities and outdoor events whenever possible, to preserve public health until weather conditions improve.

They explained that exposure to wildfire smoke may cause mild symptoms including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headache, and coughing, while some people may experience more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain, especially among groups more vulnerable to complications.

They pointed out that the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung diseases are the most affected by air pollution caused by smoke, urging these groups to limit exposure to outdoor air as much as possible.

The air quality index recorded on Sunday morning a level indicating moderate health risks, with expectations of gradual improvement during the evening hours and continued improvement at the beginning of the week if the smoke density decreases.

The authorities recommended that people who have to stay outdoors for long periods use high-efficiency N95 masks or their equivalents to help reduce inhalation of fine particles suspended in the air.

The province of Quebec has been experiencing ongoing wildfires for days, contributing to the transfer of large amounts of smoke to parts of eastern Canada, leading to a decline in air quality in several cities, including Ottawa, amid continuous monitoring of weather developments and the path of the smoke in the coming days.