Smoke from Quebec's wildfires prompts special air quality statement for Waterloo region

Smoke from Quebec's wildfires are affecting the air quality and visibility in Ontario, including Waterloo region.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement saying poor air quality with moderate to high risk values may continue throughout the day and into Tuesday for some areas.

"Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," Environment Canada said in a statement posted online, adding that mild irritation and discomfort are common and usually go away when the smoke clears.

"Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke," Environment Canada said.

The weather agency's meteorologist Gerald Cheng said wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, especially those who are vulnerable in the community.

"People with lung disease and heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who have to work outdoors are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects, especially when we do have wildfire smoke" Cheng told CBC News.

"We need to be aware of the AQHI levels — the air quality and health index — that we have for the area because it could go up."

He said people should reduce their activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable.

Cheng said you can expect hazy conditions to continue into Tuesday and adds they'll be keeping an eye on the air quality across the province throughout the season.

"As long as there is a source of smoke, which has been the wildfires, then we need to monitor where the smoke is going and that's what we will do," he said.