On the most polluted day in June 2023, Toronto PM2.5 levels reached over 100 micrograms due to the wildfire in Canada. This means that PM2.5 concentrations in Toronto exceeded the WHO annual limit of 5.0 micrograms by 20 times.
Current Air Quality in Toronto
Air Quality Map
Live Toronto, Canada AQI air quality map updated hourly.
Why is Toronto Air Quality Bad Today?
Outside of weather, wildfires are another factor that can significantly affect Toronto’s air quality. The worst wildfires typically occur in the months of June to September. In June of 2023, wildfire smoke in Canada reached Toronto, and Toronto air quality reached its worse levels in years.
Below shows how wildfires in 2023 affected air quality levels all across the east coast.
How is the Air Quality in Toronto, Canada?
71% of Days in Toronto More Polluted Than WHO Target
During 2022, 71% of days exceeded the WHO annual limit. 29% of days fell within the safe limit of 5 micrograms. That means outdoor air in Toronto was considered safe for just 1 in 4 days during 2022.
The most polluted day in 2022 was Nov. 24, 2022, where PM2.5 concentrations were as high as 30.0 micrograms. On this day, PM2.5 pollution exceeded the recommended limit by a little under 6 times.
Toronto PM2.5 Concentrations: 2023 – Year to Date
So far in 2023, Toronto’s PM2.5 concentrations have averaged 8.5 micrograms. That’s 9% higher than the previous year.
Is Toronto Air Quality Improving?
Historical air quality (AQI) data for Toronto over the past 4 years (2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022) shows that air quality has ever so slightly worsened. This shows a worrying trend for air quality in Toronto. Looking at just the past year, from 2021 to 2022, PM2.5 concentrations improved by 4%.
Thursday is the Most Polluted Day of the Week in Toronto
Thursdays are the most polluted day of the week in Toronto. PM2.5 levels on an average Thursday reach 8.3 micrograms. That’s 12% higher than the least polluted day – Sunday. On Sunday, PM2.5 air pollution averages 7.4 micrograms.
On average, Thursdays see PM2.5 pollution that’s a little under 2 times the WHO limit. For Sundays – the least polluted day – PM2.5 air pollution is 148%.
Toronto Air Pollution: The Negative Health Effects
This analysis of Toronto’s air quality is based on PM2.5 pollution. These are particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that PM2.5 raises blood pressure, inflammation, and rates of heart attacks and strokes.
WATCH: Why Is PM2.5 So Harmful to Us?
Subscribe to Smart Air on YouTube
Protect Your Health in Toronto From Air Pollution and Wildfire Smoke
Despite the harms of PM2.5 that is in wildfire smoke and air pollution, placebo-controlled studies of air purifiers have found that removing particulate in the home has positive effects on blood pressure, inflammation, and immune response.
Smart Air provides the world’s most cost-effective, data-backed air purifiers to help air-breathers protect themselves and their family. Smart Air is a certified B Corp founded to publicize the simple science behind air purifiers and masks, thereby lowering the cost of breathing clean air.
Free Guide to Breathing Safe
Want to learn more about breathing clean air? Join thousands more and stay up to date on protecting your health.
