Smog Warning Issued

Environment Canada

(Locations listed below description)

High concentrations of fine particulate matter from the Forest fires will occur beginning this afternoon. These conditions may continue over the next few days.

Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations. There are actions everyone can take to reduce their exposure to Forest fire smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or Heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant women, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for Forest fire smoke events and keeping a supply of necessary medications at Home; always carry these medications with you during Forest fire season.

Stop or reduce your activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you or someone in your care feels unwell. Contact your health care professional or local health authorities if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

Check the air quality health index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. Not everyone reacts the same way to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with smoke.

If your Home is equipped with a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, use a filter with the highest merv rating the system allows (ideally 13 or higher), and set the fan to recirculate the air continuously. You can also use a portable air purifier with a high efficiency particulate air (hepa) filter. Keep doors and windows shut if the temperature in your Home is comfortable.

Take a break from the smoke by visiting a nearby location with clean, cool air.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as a niosh-certified n95 respirator or equivalent) that doesn't let air through openings between the mask and your face can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in Forest fire smoke. Fine particulate matter generally presents the greatest health risk. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in Forest fire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop your activities if you are experiencing symptoms.

Pay special attention to people in your care, and remember to check up on people around you who may be more vulnerable to smoke.

Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If possible, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense or candles, frying food, using Wood-burning stoves and vacuuming. Dust can be removed from interior surfaces with a damp cloth or mop during a Forest fire smoke event.

If you feel stressed, anxious or depressed, contact your health care professional for advice, or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca.

Additional information:

to learn more about the info-smog program, go to Environment Canada's website at www.Canada.ca/info-smog-program.

For air quality indexes in Quebec, visit the website of the ministere De l'environnement ET De La lutte contre Les changements climatiques at www.iqa.environnement.gouv.QC.ca/contenu/index_en.asp.

For the air quality index in Montreal, visit the reseau De surveillance De La qualite De l'air De La Ville De Montreal's website at www.rsqa.QC.ca (French only).

To learn more about the effects of smog on your health in Quebec, visit the ministere De La sante ET des services sociaux's website at www.Quebec.ca/en/health. You can also visit the direction regionale De sante publique De Montreal at www.santemontreal.QC.ca/en/public.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

end/qspc

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