High Temperatures and Poor Air Quality
Environment Canada Warnings: ORANGE ALERT FOR ONTARIO
Dangers of Smoke
Environment Canada is warning of poor air quality and reduced visibility in Toronto today due to wildfire smoke that has drifted into the region. An air quality warning, orange alert, has been issued for the city on Wednesday as smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario drifts south. WORKING OUTDOORS POSES SEVERE HEALTH RISK.
“Poor air quality may persist into Thursday for some areas,” the national weather agency said in its alert. “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
As of about 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Toronto’s air quality was ranked the worst in the world, according to IQAir, which tracks global air quality data.
Wildfire smoke, humidity and air quality
The federal government website has an informative page about the dangers of environmental smoke and heat stress. It features links to up-to-date information about the air quality in specific communities, including Air Quality Health Index forecasts, InfoSmog forecasts, active weather warnings and air quality alerts, and more.
Air Quality Health Index for Ontario
The federal website has a chart showing a summary of current Air Quality Health Index values and forecast maximums for cities in Ontario.
Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attack, and other health incidents. When exposed to extreme heat, the body's core temperature rises, increasing the heart rate to dangerous levels. Employers have a duty under Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers. This includes developing policies and procedures to protect workers who have direct physical contact with hot equipment, are exposed to radiant heat sources, or are working in hot weather.
Knowing When to Shut Down
When the humidex gets too high, work and other activities may need to be shut down. By calculating Heat Stress Time-Weighted Averages, you can know when a shut-down is needed. See our Humidex page with explanation and video describing time weighted average humidex calculations, the Heat Stress Response Plan, and more information.
Wildfire Infographic
Produced by OHCOW, this 4-page infographic covers the signs and symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure as well as tips for prevention when working indoors and outdoors. We also cover employer responsibilities, provide AQHI health recommendations as well as links to additional tools and resources. This is a great resource for posting in your workplace or downloading and printing as a handout for workers or training sessions.
Webinar Resource
In the Hot Seat
Our best and most extensive webinar about occupational heat stress! Get information about the basics of heat stress and illnesses, the experiences of workers in Canada and the United States, and efforts to deal with the hazard. Hosted by OHCOW Occupational Health Specialist Dorothy Wigmore, Features a variety of speakers and topics. PDF slides for each presentation available.
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