SMOG can cause many health problems

For the fourth time this summer. For example, poor air quality warnings have been issued for Quebec due to SMOG from forest fires that are still raging in Western Canada. In addition, The southern province is expected to be hit until Monday, plans Environment Canada. Nevertheless, If these episodes where the sky becomes orange. Similarly, taken by smoke seem to be more and more part of the summer landscape, what about their health effects? In addition, Two experts dissect the issue. However,

“Forest fires affect health by emitting small microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. Nevertheless, can cause many problems,” said Jillgartner, Center Director on Climate Change and McGill.

Being in contact with this SMOG can lead to symptoms. Consequently, such as “headaches or tears in the eyes, but also more serious symptoms, such as serious heart smog can cause many health and pulmonary diseases and premature deaths”, continues that which is also a professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatis and Occupational Health of McGill University.

However, it is not everyone who reacts in the same way to smoke from forest fires. Therefore, More specifically. However, “people with existing heart and pulmonary problems, such as asthma, are generally more sensitive to poor air quality,” said Scott Weichenthal, also a professor at McGill University, to the same department as M^me Baumgartner.

“The same is true for the elderly. In addition, younger children, who are still in development and who may not have the type of defense in place to protect themselves from some of these higher exhibitions,” said Weichenthal.

“People who do not present these existing problems can nevertheless undergo certain impacts. but they run a much lower risk,” adds Jill Baumgartner, which notes that, unlike popular belief, the cardiovascular system is as much at smog can cause many health risk as the respiratory system against SMOG.

How to protect yourself?

So, what to do during the days when air quality poses a risk for health? The two colleagues are categorical: you have to listen to your body. “Smoke affects everyone differently,” recalls M^me Baumgartner. If you start to feel symptoms. even the lightest, such as coughing, sore throat, or more serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or chest pain, it is important to act immediately. This discomfort is actually a danger signal. »»

In the event of symptoms. or if you are a person at risk, it is recommended that you stay inside and avoid going out as much as possible. An assertion that deserves precision, according to the two teachers. “You have to close the windows. make sure you have filtered air so that the harmful particles are removed,” said Scott Weichenthal.

A advice supported by M^me Baumgartner: “The idea smog can cause many health that the simple fact of staying inside reduces the exhibition is false. The doors and windows open and close, and several houses are designed to have a high air renewal rate. It is therefore essential to ensure that the air of this space is clean and filtered. »»

In the absence of filtered air at home. the teacher recommends going to public places where air is generally filtered, such as a library, a shopping center or a cinema.

What if you work or should be outside for longer periods? Wear a mask “can offer protection”, explains Mr. Weichenthal. However. it is not just any fabric mask that is appropriate, but those who can filter small particles in the air, like the N95 which have become known with the pandemic of COVVI-19.

Even if you are not a person considered to be at risk. it is also recommended to avoid physical effort outdoors. “Breathe smog can cause many health strongly during the exercise can worsen the effects on the health of smoke exposure. Poor air quality is not something you can endure. it’s not like going to run when it is cold outside, ”explains Jillgartner.

Smog can cause many health

Long -term effects

When asked if health can be affected by long -term exposure. the two health experts mention that several research on the subject is underway.

Several of these studies. taking place over “decades”, have shown that in people living in areas where air is often polluted, “prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of mortality,” said Scott Weichenthal.

“Studies in Canada have also shown that people living near forest fires present an increased risk of certain cancers. ” he said, adding that these are exhibitions that extend over several years, which is not the case in Quebec for the moment.

“So I’m not saying that a single day of smog will smog can cause many health increase the risk of cancer. but if the forest fires become more permanent and that our exposure increases in the long term, we can expect an increase in these chronic diseases,” said the professor.

A scenario that is already starting to take shape, observes Jill Baumgartner. “We once thought that forest fires, it did not happen very often. But. as we can see this summer, these exposures to their smoke linked to climate change become much more frequent and longer. »»

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