Toronto Suffocates Under Smoke, Records World’s Worst Air Quality

Toronto Suffocates Under Smoke, Records World’s Worst Air Quality

Toronto has been engulfed by thick wildfire smoke, pushing the Canadian city to the top of global air pollution rankings and prompting fresh health warnings for millions of residents.

Environment Canada on Wednesday issued an orange-level air quality alert after smoke from wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario drifted into Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, reducing visibility and creating hazardous breathing conditions.

Air quality monitoring platform IQAir ranked Toronto as the city with the worst air quality in the world by late Wednesday morning, placing it ahead of Kinshasa, Delhi and Dubai.

The warning comes as the city continues to endure a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius and a humidex of about 39, increasing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke.

Health officials advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and watch for symptoms such as coughing, throat and eye irritation, headaches, wheezing and chest pain.

Those considered most vulnerable, including older adults, pregnant women, infants, young children, people with existing heart or lung conditions and outdoor workers, were urged to take extra precautions until air quality improves.

Forecasters said pollution levels are expected to remain high through Wednesday night and into Thursday before gradually easing as weather conditions change.

The City of Toronto responded by cancelling FIFA Fan Fest activities and the public viewing of Wednesday’s semifinal match at Nathan Phillips Square. Wading pools were also closed, although outdoor swimming pools remain open.

Meteorologists expect rain later in the week to help clear the smoke and bring some relief from the hazardous air and oppressive heat, though officials warned that changing wildfire conditions could continue to affect air quality in the coming days.