Toronto is grappling with some of the worst air quality in the world today, as wildfire smoke continues to drift into the region from northern Ontario and Western Canada.
As both areas are dealing with 15 new out-of-control burning wildfires, Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Greater Toronto Area, urging residents to minimize outdoor activities as much as possible.
As of 1:59 p.m. on Friday, June 6, Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index reached a 10 out of 10, considered a “high risk” level. The conditions are expected to linger throughout the day, until the arrival of northerly winds this evening help improve the air quality slightly.
Earlier today, Toronto was even briefly ranked the second most polluted city in the world by Swiss-based air quality monitoring group IQAir, as well as Montreal.
Vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are advised to take extra caution, as exposure may cause irritation to the eyes, throat, or nose, headaches, and mild coughing.