Toronto suffers world's worst air quality as Canada's second-worst wildfire season chokes nation

Toronto
is bracing for another summer of dangerous air quality as wildfires continue to rage across northern Ontario, the Prairies, and Western Canada, with doctors warning that the health effects of wildfire smoke are more serious and more widespread than many realize.
The worst air quality
Toronto recorded the worst air quality in the world in early June, according to global air tracker IQAir, as smoke from more than 183 active wildfires in Ontario drifted south into the city. It's a dramatic increase from the 100 wildfires recorded in the province at this time last year, and experts say it's a troubling sign of what lies ahead.
'We're already seeing much higher than our 10-year average,' said Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. 'It does look like we are in for a tough season.'
Canada's second-worst fire
According to federal data, the 2025 wildfire season has already burned 3.7 million hectares of land, an area six times larger than Prince Edward Island, making it Canada's second-worst fire year on record, behind only 2023.
Live Events
The resulting smoke has triggered air quality alerts in five provinces and one territory, and it's not staying contained within Canadian borders. Smoke from Canadian fires drifted over parts of the continental US in early June, from Kansas City to Minneapolis.
High chances of health risks
Though Toronto residents are far from the flames, Dr. Gupta says the health risks are very real.
'We see increased emergency room visits for things like asthma, COPD flare-ups, and even heart attacks and strokes,' he explained. 'These particles are so small they enter the bloodstream through the lungs and start affecting the heart and other organs.'
Even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause headaches, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and in severe cases, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Gupta added that vulnerable populations, including seniors, pregnant individuals, people with chronic illness, and children, are at the greatest risk.
However, even healthy individuals should be cautious.
'When I see an AQHI [Air Quality Health Index] over 7, I won't go for a run outside. I'll exercise indoors,' Gupta said. 'When you're running, you breathe in twice as much pollution. It really can take a toll.'
On smoky days, experts advise staying indoors, using HEPA air purifiers, and if you must go outside, wearing a fitted N95 mask to filter out fine particulate matter.
This summer's conditions are expected to worsen, with The Weather Network forecasting a hotter and drier climate around the Ontario–Manitoba border, resulting in more wildfire outbreaks and smoke movement.
'The effects aren't always visible, but they're happening,' Dr. Gupta said. 'You may not feel it, but the smoke is doing the damage.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Indian Express

39 minutes ago

• Indian Express

Ahmedabad flight crash: DNA of 223 victims matched, 204 bodies handed over to families

By 12 pm on June 20, almost exactly eight days after the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171, officials at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital said that a total of 223 DNA samples of victims had been identified, while 204 bodies had been handed over to their families. Medical Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi said, 'DNA samples of 223 deceased have been matched in the Ahmedabad plane crash on June 20 as of 11:50 am. Relatives of 220 victims have been contacted, out of which 204 families have been handed over the mortal remains, including 2 victims who died during treatment.' In a statement, Dr Joshi said that 168 of the 223 identified deceased were Indian citizens, 7 were Portuguese, 36 were British citizens, one was Canadian and 11 were non-passengers. He said that 15 mortal remains were taken to the families' residences by air, while 189 mortal remains were transported to their residences by road.

Time of India

3 hours ago

• Time of India

Delhi student dies under mysterious circumstances in Canada: What was she studying?

Tanya Tyagi pursuing Master's in food safety dies mysteriously in Canada. (Photo: Ishutyagi91/X) An Indian student from Delhi, Tanya Tyagi, studying at the University of Calgary in Canada, has died suddenly under unclear circumstances. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver confirmed her death on June 19, 2025, expressing sorrow over the incident and assuring support to her family. The exact cause of her death remains undisclosed, but an unverified social media post claimed it was due to a heart attack. The sudden demise of Tanya Tyagi has left family, friends, and the Indian community in shock. The consulate stated that it is in constant touch with Canadian authorities and will provide all required assistance to the bereaved family. Her death raises questions and concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Indian students abroad. Tanya Tyagi's field of study Tanya Tyagi was pursuing her Master's in Food Safety and Quality at the University of Calgary. This program focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of food products through rigorous scientific and regulatory frameworks. Students in this field are trained to address challenges related to foodborne pathogens, quality assurance, and compliance with food safety standards. Consulate General expresses condolences and support The official statement from the Consulate General of India in Vancouver read, "We are saddened by the sudden demise of Ms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Tanya Tyagi, an Indian student at University of Calgary. The Consulate is in touch with the authorities and will provide all required assistance to the bereaved family. Our heartfelt condolences & prayers are with her family & friends of the deceased." The consulate's involvement highlights the importance of diplomatic support when Indian nationals face crises overseas. The statement further mentioned that officials are awaiting more information regarding the cause or conditions of Tanya's death. Family appeals to the government for help Tanya Tyagi's family, based in Northeast Delhi, is reportedly struggling to manage the arrangements to bring her body back to India. As per a social media appeal by Ishu Tyagi, IT Head of BJYM Delhi, the family has reached out to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for assistance. The appeal, posted on June 19, 2025, urged officials to support the family in repatriation efforts. The father's contact number, 9354758957 (Vipul Tyagi), was also shared to facilitate communication. Previous incidents involving Indian students abroad This tragic incident echoes a similar case earlier this year when a 20-year-old Indian student, Sudiksha Konanki, studying at the University of Pittsburgh, went missing while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple US agencies including the FBI and DEA, have been involved in that ongoing investigation, as per ANI. Uncertainty surrounds cause of death Though social media reports mention a heart attack as the cause of Tanya Tyagi's death, official sources have yet to confirm this. The University of Calgary and Canadian authorities have not released detailed information, leading to speculation about the nature of her sudden demise. The Indian consulate continues to liaise with local authorities to uncover more details and support the family during this difficult time. The death of Tanya Tyagi underscores the vulnerabilities faced by international students and the need for adequate support systems. More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds and the consulate continues its assistance. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.

New Indian Express

5 hours ago

• New Indian Express

Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone.