Learn about the Air Quality Health Index and where to monitor poor air quality in your area.
Sign up for real-time weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada by creating an EC Alert Me account (external link) or downloading the WeatherCAN app (external link).
Halton Region will issue Extended Heat Warnings (heat events longer than 3 days), or Special Air Quality Statements related to forest fires or other emergency events on our newsroom.
Keep track of air quality in your area to help you prepare and protect your family from potential health risks while outdoors.
Find out what colour air day it is in your city!
Wildfire smoke can be a major source of air pollution. Wildfire smoke can be carried hundreds or thousands of kilometres from a fire zone and is a major source of harmful air pollutants. There is no safe level of exposure for most of these pollutants. Smoke can cause negative health effects even at very low levels when we may not be able to see or smell it.
Symptoms and health effects from wildfire smoke exposure can range from eye irritation and coughing to dizziness, chest pains and even heart attacks.
Air quality due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. To be prepared for changing air quality conditions, check local weather advisories and air quality conditions using Environment and Climate Change Canada’s WeatherCan app (external link) and the Air Quality Health Index (external link) for your area.