Toronto is facing extreme heat and humidity as well as polluted air among the worst in the world, caused by the conjunction of wildfires in Northern Ontario and the Prairies, which are the second largest on record in Canada.An alert remains in effect as of July 15 in some areas. Authorities are inviting residents to limit time outdoors and reschedule eventual outdoor plans as health risks increase with smoke levels. The immaterial nature of air makes pollution difficult to detect and can lead people to wrongly believe the air they are breathing is clean. Indeed, relying on the senses isn’t always possible either, as some pollutants cannot be smelled nor seen, yet they can still harm the lungs.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) offers an important way to monitor and respond to pollution levels, protecting the health of entire communities. Pollution is a complex issue, influenced by sources ranging from vehicle emissions to industrial processes and even seasonal events like wildfires and fireworks.So, what is the science of air pollution? What are the health implications that arise from it? And how can the AQI be used effectively to safeguard loved ones against such invisible enemies? Click through this gallery to find out.