(BBC News) Washington DC and Philadelphia experienced their worst air quality in years as wildfires in Canada continue to affect millions of people.
The poor conditions have forced event cancellations and grounded flights across the U.S.
Nearly 100 million people are experiencing very poor air quality in North America.
Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shows that cities in North America had the worst air quality in the world on Thursday morning.
The smoke has caused the cancellation of school outings, sporting events, and the White House’s planned pride celebrations.
The National Zoo was closed, with its animals, including three giant pandas, taken indoors.
Much of the smoke is coming from Quebec, where 150 fires are burning. It is already Quebec’s worst fire season on record.
U.S. President Joe Biden said he spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday and deployed more than 600 firefighters to help battle the blazes in Canada.
Environment Canada said conditions were worsening in Toronto on Thursday, as more smoke poured in. The agency has recommended that anyone outdoors wear a mask.
“These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke,” the Environment Canada statement said.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65828469
