Air quality in the New York and New Jersey area has noticeably worsened ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Wildfires in neighboring Canada have caused the deterioration, with smoke spreading across the region, turning the sky gray.

According to local media, the air quality index (AQI) in the region is in the 151-200 range, well above the 0-50 range defined by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection as "good" air quality.

Air pollution expert Michael Petroni told the New York Post that breathing air in such conditions for a whole day is comparable to smoking about 10 cigarettes. He added that tiny pollutant particles enter the bloodstream and negatively impact the immune system, which, with prolonged exposure, increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Local residents are advised to limit their time spent outdoors and refrain from intense physical activity until the situation improves. The final match between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey.