Smoke from forest fires is responsible for poor air quality in southern Quebec, in northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Montreal is also the city on Saturday where air quality is the worst in the world, according to the IQAir ranking.
With a score of 191, Montreal arrived in the front row, in front of cities like Kinshasa in Congo and Manama in Bahrain. Toronto is also part of the top 10she who ranks 8e Row with a score of 110.
A score between 101 and 150 on the index of IQAir indicates that the conditions are bad for vulnerable people. If the index is greater than 150, the conditions are bad for everyone’s health.
The very high concentration of fine particles in the air can present a problem. The symptoms caused by these particles can range from a simple eye irritation to an asthma crisis or even to cardiac arrhythmia.
The elderly, pregnant women, young children, people who have chronic health problems and those who work outdoors should avoid exhausting activities outside in regions where air quality is at its worst, according to Environment Canada.
However, beyond these vulnerable groups, everyone is exposed to risks, adds the Federal Agency. Anyone who has symptoms caused by the poor air quality should request medical assistance.
What to do to protect yourself from smoke?
– Limit time spent outside
– Keep the doors and windows closed
– Wear a N95 respiratory mask to reduce exposure to fine particles
– Take news of vulnerable relatives
– request immediate medical aid in an emergency
Source: Environment Canada
The forest fires raging in the north of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are the big culprits of the degradation of air quality.
The 546 active lights in the country are concentrated in these two provinces, as well as in the Yukon and in the Northwest Territories, but the winds transport smoke to the east.
Air quality could remain bad until Sunday.
Heat wave
Heat warnings are also in force in southern Quebec for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, particularly in Montreal, Laval, in a part of the Laurentians and in Montérégie.
The combination of maximum temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius and a high humidity level will bring humidex values to almost 40 degrees on Sunday afternoon. The conditions will remain warm and humid until Tuesday, the nights being particularly uncomfortable with minimum temperatures remaining above 20 degrees Celsius
precise environment and climate change canada.
Extreme heat can have health effects. In particular, we must monitor the first signs of exhaustion due to heat as well as headache and dizziness to avoid a heat stroke.
With Canadian press information
