Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says increased wildfire smoke is a “new normal.”

Dr. Kieren Moore suggests people get into the daily habit of checking air quality this summer.

Special air quality statements from Environment Canada are affecting large regions of Central Canada.

Air quality is forecast to pose a “moderate risk” in much of Ontario today – with air in Toronto at one point Wednesday pegged as the worst in the world.

Smoky skies in the GTHA are expected to persist, likely into Friday in some spots.

The weather agency says wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.

People with lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and those who work outdoors are at higher risk to experience health effects caused by wildfire smoke.