Toronto has the worst air quality in the entire Western Hemisphere right now

Wildfire smoke has descended on Toronto to kick off the week, and the air locals are breathing Monday morning has been ranked as the worst in the entire hemisphere.

Fires burning in Quebec have blanketed Ontario with thick smoke since the weekend, and the haze of pollution has officially settled over Toronto.

With an air quality index of 86 on the pollution-ranking site IQAir, Toronto ranked 19th-worst for air quality worldwide as of 8 a.m. on Monday. 

However, zooming in on just the Americas, Toronto's air quality ranked as the worst in the Western Hemisphere to kick off the workweek.

IQAir

While the air quality isn't as bad as Toronto has experienced during previous bouts of drifting wildfire smoke in past years, the pollution, coupled with the extreme heat event on tap this week, could combine for some hazardous conditions.

Environment and Climate Change Canada warns that Toronto air quality poses a "moderate" health risk on Monday, and forecasts similar conditions on Tuesday.

According to the City of Toronto, poor air quality and wildfire smoke can cause symptoms including eye and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

The City advises residents to limit outdoor activities during wildfire smoke events, and to keep windows closed when possible, or use an air filter to reduce indoor air pollution.