For the second day in a row, greater Montreal is a smog zone. Even though fine particles in the air are gradually dissipating, Quebec City remains one of the most polluted cities in the world.
• Read more: Poor air quality: Seven tips to protect yourself from smoke
• Read more: Smoke promotes allergic reactions in healthy people, allergists warn
• Read more: 5 Best Air Purifiers
As of 10 a.m. Monday, the IQAir site listed the air quality index at 154 particles per cubic meter, similar to Jakarta, Indonesia. However, it was an improvement as the city registered a code of 172 shortly before 6am.
The boroughs of Ahansic-Cartierville (186) and Verdun (183) and the Vieux-Longueuil (178) department are the most detrimental to health in the Montreal area.
IQAir
On Sunday afternoon, the city closed some outdoor facilities, such as outdoor sports facilities and canceled its outdoor cultural activities until noon. The Municipal Golf Club also suspended operations while golfers were on the green.
Smoke from wildfires is now spreading over many parts of Quebec, but rain is forecast in many of these areas to help calm the weather.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the air quality index in your city and what are the health recommendations derived from it?
Air quality index (AQI US)
101-150
Sensitive people
AQI: Good
A great day to be active outside.
AQI: Moderate
Some people may be particularly sensitive to fine particle pollution
Especially sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs of slowing down.
All others: A great day to be active outside.
AQI: Bad
Sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and adolescents, minority populations, and outdoor workers.
Sensitive Groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take plenty of breaks. Pay attention to symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care professional.
AQI: Bad
For everyone
People who are sensitive to: Avoid long or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider relocating or moving activities within the home.*
All others: Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more rest in outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed in very hot weather. If you’re hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if there are cooling centers in your community.
AQI: Too bad
People who are sensitive to: Avoid all outdoor physical activity. Postpone it to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All others: Avoid long or strenuous activities. Consider relocating or moving activities within the home.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed in very hot weather. If you’re hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if there are cooling centers in your community.
AQI: Complex
All others: Avoid all outdoor physical activity.
People who are sensitive to: Stay indoors and maintain a low activity level. Follow these tips to keep indoor particulate levels low.*
*Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed in very hot weather. If you’re hot, go somewhere with air conditioning or check with your municipality to see if there are cooling centers in your community.
In Laval, bus fares have been reduced to $1 to reduce car traffic and make it easier for citizens to get around.
