The haze in the air and the bright pink sun are the result of wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota, and Swampscott is feeling the effects through worsening air quality.

As of Wednesday, more than 830 wildfires were burning across Canada, along with about a dozen in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border. Some of the largest fires are burning in west-central Ontario, and many remain uncontained, forcing mandatory evacuations.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for fine particulates. 

The EPA’s Air Quality Index converts pollutant levels into a numerical scale, with lower numbers indicating cleaner air. Anything below 50 is classified as “healthy.” Numbers from 50 to 100 are “moderate,” and 100 to 150 is unhealthy for “sensitive groups.” Anything above 150 is bad for everyone.

The EPA also maintains up-to-date, regional air quality information. PurpleAir gives a more granular map that goes street-by-street for air quality readings.

At the time of publication, air quality readings across Swampscott’s PurpleAir data ranged from 149 to 164. The lowest reading was recorded on Paradise Road between Walker Road and Oakledge Road. Nearby, Swampscott High School recorded a reading of 162, while the monitor near Euroline Motorsports registered 161. Town Hall also measured 162, and the Fish House recorded the highest reading at 164.

Fine particulate pollution can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness and fatigue, while also worsening chronic heart and lung conditions.

Experts recommend that people with asthma, lung disease and other chronic respiratory conditions limit their time outdoors during periods of poor air quality.

“If you have heart or lung problems, then you’ve got to be definitely more careful,” Dr. Sanjay Sethi told the Associate Press. “I would either avoid going outside or wear an N95 (mask) or at least a dust mask.”

In addition to the smoke, Massachusetts is experiencing a heatwave. National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Hasenstein told the Associated Press that the mix can be dangerous.

“Those two things coinciding with each other is not good from a health perspective,” Hasenstein said. 

The good news is that Swampscott could see rain this weekend, which may help disperse some of the lingering smoke.