Detroit air quality worst in world, thanks to wildfire smoke: global ranking

Environment Canada warns Windsor-Essex residents about deteriorating air quality caused by smoke from wildfires.

Wildfire smoke drifting from northwestern Ontario has given Detroit the worst air quality in the world, according to a global ranking. Meanwhile, Windsor remains under an Orange air-quality warning as smoke blankets the border region. According to Swiss global air-quality monitoring company IQAir, Detroit registered the worst air quality on the planet on Thursday, followed by Toronto, joining a host of other Canadian and U.S. regions with the most smoke-affected urban centres.

The worsening conditions come as Environment Canada warns Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent residents about deteriorating air quality caused by smoke from wildfires burning in northwestern Ontario. The federal weather agency issued an Orange air-quality warning Wednesday morning, advising poor conditions are expected to continue through at least Friday. An Orange warning indicates weather conditions are likely to cause significant health impacts or widespread disruption.

Air Quality Ontario lists most of southwestern Ontario communities at the worst possible air quality measure, forecasting that Windsor, Chatham, London and Sarnia could all stay at “very high risk” until as late as Friday. Environment Canada advises residents to limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. Heavy smoke conditions can pose a health risk to individuals regardless of age or health status, the agency said.

During air quality warnings, residents may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, according to Air Quality Ontario. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Related Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warning for Windsor-Essex Anyone who believes they are experiencing a medical emergency is advised to seek immediate medical assistance.

— With files from Pascal Hogue dspalding@postmedia.com