It’s an unenviable track record for Montreal this morning. It is number one in the world when it comes to poor air quality.
• Also read: The 5 best air purifiers
IQAir, which carries out an inventory of the world’s most polluted cities, has placed the metropolitan areas where the air is not “healthy” for health reasons at the top of its list.
The index of “unhealthy” air is between 151 and 200. Montreal shows 195 at 8:21 am, rating revised upwards. She was at 172 an hour earlier.
Second is Sao Paulo in Brazil with 164, and third is Lahore in Pakistan with 127.
The smoky air in Montreal is due to the raging wildfires in Quebec.
Health Canada has issued a smog warning for the metropolitan area as the high levels of particulate matter are causing ambient air deterioration.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
How high is the air quality index in your city and what health recommendations are derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
Bad
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Great day to be active outside.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to particulate matter pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs of slowing down.
All the others : Great day to be active outside.
AQI: BAD for
sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung diseases, the elderly, children and young people, minorities and field workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness can indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
AQI: BAD
for each
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid any physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid any physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain reduced activity levels. Follow these tips to keep particulate matter levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.