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
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Police investigating after tow trucks shot at in Scarborough two hours apart
Toronto police are investigating after tow trucks were shot at in Scarborough about two hours apart Saturday night.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
U.K. foreign secretary says halting arms sales to Israel would only strengthen Hamas
Asked whether the U.K. would follow the U.S. in threatening to cut the supply of offensive weapons to Israel if it carried out an attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the two countries cannot be compared because unlike the U.S., Britain supplies a very small amount of Israel's weapons.