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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.