Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Toronto and the rest of the GTA as hot and humid weather conditions create elevated pollution levels.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the agency said “high levels of air pollution have developed.”
The agency said “high risk” air quality health index values are expected to persist for one to two hours and that higher pollution levels may persist locally tonight. “Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” Environment Canada said. “Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.”Toronto broke a 10-year-old temperature record Tuesday, reaching 35.3 C at Toronto Pearson, beating the previous record for June 21 of 34.4 C set back in 2012.