Air quality tanks as wildfire smoke spreads across huge swaths of Canada

Canadians are waking up to smoky skies as wildfire smoke blankets large parts of the country, prompting Environment Canada to issue air quality alerts for several major cities. Smoke drifting from wildfires in northwestern Ontario has led to very poor air quality and reduced visibility, with hazy conditions expected to persist until Friday morning.

Toronto registered the worst air quality among major cities worldwide on Wednesday, scoring an eight on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). This scale, ranging from one to 10, indicates the level of health risk posed by air quality. Scores from seven to 10 are considered high risk, affecting everyone regardless of age or health status.

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The AQHI is a scale ranging from one to 10 and shows the risk that air quality in your area may pose to your health. An AQHI score of one to three is considered “low risk,” four to six is considered “moderate risk” and seven to 10 is considered “high risk.”

Similar alerts were issued for parts of northern Manitoba, expecting poor air quality until Thursday. Vancouver received a yellow alert, with residents advised to monitor wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours. Yellowknife also reached a high-risk AQHI of seven on Wednesday.

Environment Canada is urging Canadians to reduce their time outdoors and to reschedule or cancel outdoor sports and events. Specific advice is given to individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants, young children, and those with existing health conditions, recommending they avoid strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

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Can you smell the campfire? Today is smoke day in Toronto.