Environment Canada warns of air pollution in Hamilton amid northern Ontario forest fires

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Hamilton amid ongoing forest fires in the province’s northwest.

The national weather service expects high levels of air pollution and reduced visibility in the city as smoke from active forest fires in northern Ontario seeps into the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.

“Elevated particulate matter levels and hazy conditions have reported at several stations,” Environment Canada said in a release.

But conditions are expected to improve Tuesday with the forecasted passage of a cold front, they added.

Environment Canada cautioned residents may experience coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath as a result of the heightened pollution. Most at risk are children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung diseases, such as asthma.