Smoke from more than 413 active wildfires in Canada is causing poor air quality in North American cities, with Detroit and New York now reporting the second- and third-worst air quality in the world.
The Motor City and the Big Apple trail only Delhi, India, which is known for its persistently severe air pollution, according to Swiss air quality company IQAir. The two American cities have overtaken usual contenders like Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Baghdad, Iraq.
New York’s air pollution levels which were pegged at "unhealthy" Tuesday evening continued into Wednesday. An Air Quality Health Advisory was issued for all five boroughs of New York City.
Detroit’s local news advises wearing N95 masks outdoors, keeping windows and fireplaces shut, and using air conditioners on recirculation mode.
Canadian wildfires, exacerbated by hot, dry weather and high winds, have led to the evacuation of more than 26,000 Canadian citizens. Quebec is the worst impacted province, with numerous fires sparked by lightning, according to U.S. News, which spoke with Michael Norton, an official with Canada’s Natural Resources ministry.
If the fires continue at their current pace, 2023 could mark Canada’s most devastating wildfire season, with already 3.3 million hectares (8.2 million acres) consumed.
The environmental crisis saw shares Honeywell International Inc HON — which manufactures air purifiers — move to the upside during Wednesday's premarket session.
While conditions are expected to improve in New York City on Wednesday morning, according to Bloomberg, forecasters warn that they are likely to worsen later in the day.
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