New York has world’s worst air pollution as Canada wildfires rage

Image credit: Getty Images

New York was the most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday night, as smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the city in haze, according to the IQAir website.

Pollution levels in the city were deemed to be in the “unhealthy” range, and were higher than those in the Indian capital Delhi and Iraq’s Baghdad at 1:25 a.m. New York time, according to the Swiss air quality company.

Other North American cities were also being afflicted by smoke from the unprecedented wildfires, with Detroit affected particularly badly.

Air quality has declined in states from Minnesota to the Carolinas. Public schools in New York and Washington, D.C., have canceled outdoor activities.

New York and Detroit ranked among cities with the worst air quality in the world as of Wednesday morning, according to @IQAir. pic.twitter.com/RcOb4d0jLX

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 7, 2023

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement Tuesday night that an Air Quality Health Advisory had been issued for all five boroughs, and while conditions were expected to improve through Wednesday morning, they were predicted to worsen again later in the day.

“We are taking precautions out of an abundance of caution to protect New Yorkers’ health until we are able to get a better sense of future air quality reports,” said Adams. “We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible.”

? RIGHT NOW: An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect for all five boroughs.

This health advisory is due to smoke and haze coming into our region from wildfires in Canada.@NYCMayor released a statement last night about everything you need to know. ? here: pic.twitter.com/2C5kxW1SBl

— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 7, 2023

The US Air Quality Index for New York hit 222 on its 0-500 scale at 01:05 a.m., putting the air in the “very unhealthy” category.

New York City is still shrouded in hazardous wildfire smoke drifting south from Quebec’s massive #forestfires. #Wildfiresmoke travels farther than you think — see how it can affect your #airquality. #NYC #NewYorkCityhttps://t.co/AhcnxG9Mv5 pic.twitter.com/2FDos1IElz

— IQAir (@IQAir) June 7, 2023

Canada’s worst wildfire season

Canada is on track for its worst-ever wildfire season if the rate of burning continues at the same pace. Government officials say approximately 3.3 million hectares (8.2 million acres) have so far been scorched. Some 413 fires are currently burning and 26,000 Canadians have been forced to evacuate their homes.