Toronto/CMEDIA: According to IQAir, which tracks air quality data from across the globe, Toronto’s air quality is currently ranked among the worst in the world, and remains 30th most polluted city at time of writing.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) of Environment Canada lists the air in Toronto as a Level 5, or moderate risk.
The hot and humid air brought on by the heatwave could produce “deteriorating” air quality, warns  Environment Canada.Â
“We have, generally, a subsiding or sinking motion associated with the high-pressure system that’s affecting us, and that sinking air can create inversions in the atmosphere,” Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says.Â
The hot air impeded from rising affects the air quality
 and pollutants are trapped in the lower levels of the atmosphere, explains Coulson.
He added that although wildfire smoke from Quebec and northern Ontario are not having an impact on air quality right now, that could change later this week.
“It looks like by Wednesday we could be seeing some enhanced levels of particulate matter 2.5 from the wildfires in northwestern Ontario,” he said.
Under a Level 5 AQHI, the general population does not need to modify usual outdoor activities unless they experience symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.Â
In the presence of the above symptoms, populations such as seniors, pregnant women and infants who are at greater risk should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if experiencing symptoms.
With temperatures above 30 C until Friday, Toronto is currently under a yellow-level heat warning with Tuesday being the hottest day with a high of 37 C, which will feel like 45 with the humidex.
