Montreal has poorest air quality in the world today: tracker

As far as big cities go, Montreal has the worst air quality in the world on Sunday, according to a website that tracks air quality indexes (AQIs) across the globe. The smog is a product of wildfires in northern Quebec, 80 of which are currently burning.

As far as big cities go, Montreal has the worst air quality in the world on Sunday, according to a website that tracks air quality indexes (AQIs) across the globe.

In IQAir's ranking of major cities most affected by pollution, Montreal scored number one Sunday morning with an AQI of 230, followed by Kuwait City (221) and Tehran, Iran (169).

The smog is a product of wildfires in northern Quebec, 80 of which are currently burning. Winds shifted to the northeast Monday evening, blanketing parts of southern Quebec in smoke. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says air quality in the metropolis is "high risk" and cautions people to reduce their exposure as much as possible.

"People who have a lung disease (such as asthma) or a heart disease, the elderly, children, pregnant women and people who work outdoors are more likely to feel the effects of smoke on their health," the ECCC smog warning reads.

The agency also recommends keeping the windows shut to preserve air quality indoors.

The smog forced the cancellation of Sunday's half Ironman race in Mont-Tremblant.