The smoky conditions come as the city prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the FIFA World Cup, raising concerns for residents, spectators and athletes alike.
Doctors say wildfire smoke is more than just an inconvenience. It contains tiny particles known as fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which are small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, trigger coughing and make it harder to breathe. For people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, it can also increase the risk of serious flare-ups.
