You have probably noticed the veil that covers the Estrian sky since Friday evening: this heavy smog comes from the smoke of forest fires which rage in the prairies, precisely in the north of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Environment Canada warns that air will be of poor quality minimally until Saturday evening throughout southern Quebec.
Around 10 a.m. on Saturday, the IQAIR site indicated that the air quality index was surpassed 170 for the Sherbrooke sector. It was at this time one of the regions of the worlds where the highest concentration of pollutants were recorded in the atmosphere. As an indication, an index of 51 and more indicates poor air quality.
Visibility is also reduced outside. Environnement Canada specifies that people who are most at risk if they are exposed to the outside are the aged 65 and over, infants, young children, people with chronic illness or health problem or those working outside.
The sky was veiled Friday evening in Sherbrooke.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Zoé Bellehumeur
The Ciusss of Estrie-Chus in mode vigilance
In this context, public health of Estrie calls on the Estrian population to be vigilant
. However, the establishment has not yet launched an alert concerning pollution in the atmosphere.
The population must remain attentive to public opinions and regional alerts concerning the presence of SMOG and the quality of the ambient air.
You could also feel some smoke -related symptoms.
Possible symptoms linked to smoke
- Eye irritation
- Throat irritation
- Chest pain
- Severe cough
The whole south of the province is affected by this poor air quality.
Photo: Ministry of the Environment
As of Sunday, the situation should improve, believes the Ministry of the Environment. The start of the week could however lead to the appearance of new plumes of smoke over Estrie.
What to do to limit the exhibition?
It is recommended to limit the time spent outside as well as to move its sports and outdoor activities.
If you are inside, it is also advisable to close doors and windows as much as possible.
In the event of extreme heat mixed with poor air quality, it is better to stay cool.
If you have to move outside, the N95 mask can help limit exposure, even if it does not completely remove health related risks.
Take news from your neighbors, friends and family, especially people most at risk of being affected by air pollution
can we read on the Environment Canada site.
