Smog alert due to Quebec fires has been lifted

UPDATE JULY 3 – A smog advisory for various eastern Ontario regions including Prince edward County was lifted late Wednesday afternoon.
Advisory are issued when there is a strong likelihood of poor air quality.   The area had been under an advisory due to pollution from ongoing forest fires burning in Quebec.

JULY 2 – Polluted air from a series of forest fires in northwestern Quebec has caused “poor” air quality ratings throughout Eastern Ontario.

Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville and Prince Edward County had “poor” to “moderate” air quality ratings Tuesday. And the smoky haze remains until the wind changes.

The result is microscopic airborne soot particles that can go deep into the lungs when inhaled. The Ontario Environment Ministry warns of health effects noting people with respiratory disease should limit prolonged exertion. The “poor” rating indicates the general population at some risk.

Environment Canada lifted air quality warnings issued for parts of Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick early this afternoon as shifting winds and rain reduced danger from smoke drifting in overnight from forest fires burning for more than a week in Labrador.