Environment Canada has issued health warnings after smoke from more than 100 wildfires in northern Ontario turned Toronto's sky yellow and gave the city the worst air quality in the world, according to the Guardian.
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Key facts
- More than 100 active wildfires are burning in northern Ontario.
- Toronto's air quality was ranked the worst in the world, according to IQAir.
- Environment Canada issued health warnings on Wednesday.
- The sky over Toronto turned a sickly yellow.
- Smoke also caused yellow, smoky air across cities in the north-east US.
Smoke drifting from more than 100 active wildfires in northern Ontario has driven Toronto’s air quality to the worst level in the world, according to the Guardian. The Canadian city’s sky turned a sickly yellow as the smoke settled over the country’s largest urban centre.
Environment Canada issued health warnings on Wednesday in response to the deteriorating conditions. The agency’s alert came after the city’s air was ranked the worst globally by IQAir, the Swiss technology company that tracks air quality around the world.
The impact of the fires was not confined to Ontario. The Guardian reported that the same smoke caused yellow, smoky air in cities across the north-east United States.
Why it matters
Wildfire smoke carries fine particles that can pose serious risks to health, particularly for vulnerable groups, which is why authorities issue warnings when air quality drops. The event also shows how smoke from remote fires can degrade conditions in major cities and across international borders.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Toronto's air quality so bad?
Smoke from more than 100 active wildfires burning in northern Ontario has drifted over the city, giving it the worst air quality in the world according to IQAir.
Have authorities issued any warnings?
Yes. Environment Canada issued health warnings on Wednesday after the sky over Toronto turned yellow and its air was ranked the worst in the world.
Is the smoke affecting other areas?
Yes. According to the Guardian, the smoke has also caused yellow, smoky air in cities across the north-east United States.
Timeline
- Wildfires in Ontario make Toronto air quality worst in world
The Guardian World: Environment Canada has issued health warnings after sky over city turns yellow Smoke from more than 100 active wildfires in northern Ontario have made Toronto’s air quality the current worst in the world and caused yellow, smoky air in cities across the north-east US. Environment