A special air quality statement is in effect for several parts of the GTA due to the “possibility of deteriorating air quality as a result of fireworks for Diwali.”
Issued at 6:18 a.m. Monday by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario, the statement says high levels of air pollution are expected this evening into the overnight hours.
“Light winds and stagnating weather conditions are expected to cause increasing levels of air pollution. Air quality may deteriorate if the smoke from fireworks remains at or descends to ground level,” it read.According to the statement, moderate-risk Air Quality Health Index values are expected tonight with the “potential” of short-term high-risk AQHI values.
Anyone who is exposed to firework smoke, especially those who are particularly sensitive to it, are being advised to consider taking extra precautions to reduce their exposure.“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” the national weather agency and the province said.People play with fireworks during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Jammu, India Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.