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BC  

Worst air quality in world

Smoke from B.C. wildfires can be seen more than one million kilometres away from Earth, and the province's communities are dealing with some of the worst air quality on the planet. 

Prince George has a 10+ rating on the air quality health index as of Sunday morning, and those in the area are urged to avoid activity outside. 

They also have just 19 out of possible perfect 100 on a worldwide air pollution index called the Breezometer. Mumbai, India has a rating of 45. 

“It’s some of the worst we’ve ever had,” Garth Frizzell, councillor with the City of Prince George, told CTV News. “It’s fairly serious. The skies are pretty grey and we’re looking for rest, but for now, we’re seeing people who’ve been a lot harder hit than us.”

There are currently over 400 active wildfires in the province, emanating smoke that NASA says can be seen from satellites 1.5 million kilometres away. 

And it isn't just B.C. that is impacted. Air quality statements have been issued for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as northwestern Ontario. 

Environment Canada warns that the poor air can cause coughing, headaches, shortness of breath and throat irritation, specifically in seniors, children and anyone with cardiovascular or lung diseases. 

-With files from CTV Vancouver

 

 



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