Forest fires force smog warning in Greater Montreal area
A smog warning has been issued for the Greater Montreal area by Environment Canada.
"Smog especially affects asthmatic children and people with respiratory ailments or heart disease," the agency states. "It is therefore recommended that these individuals avoid intense physical activity outdoors until the smog warning is lifted."
The warning is due to forest fires in northwestern Ontario and Manitoba that are creating poor air quality in these areas.
According to the Quebec government, the short-term symptoms of breathing in air pollution are:
- Eye irritation;
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing;
- Irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract (coughing);
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
The severity of these symptoms depends on a person’s health and the level of pollution they are exposed to, the government states.
You should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Chest tightness;
- Pain when breathing deeply;
- Difficulty breathing despite not having engaged in physical activity.
Experts warn the smoke could cause serious harm.
"When you breath in those particles they get into your lungs and into your blood stream," explained Jill Baumgartner, an assistant professor with the McGill Institute for Health and Social Policy.
Babies, seniors and those with breathing issues are most at risk, said Scott Andrew Weichenthal, assistant professor in McGill University's department of epidemiology, biostatistics, and occupational health.
As always, Société de transport de Laval (STL) commuters will be able to take a bus or shared taxi for $1 due to the smog alert.
Launched in 2008, the STL Smog Alert initiative promotes the use of public transit when air quality deteriorates.
Environment Canada expects conditions to gradually improve by Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.