The smog, which is currently covering several regions of the province, has consequences for vulnerable people who suffer from asthma or allergies, for example.
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However, according to an allergist, smog can also cause a person who doesn’t have an allergy to develop symptoms later.
“Poor air quality also affects people who have no known asthma,” allergist Marie-Josée Francoeur told TVA Nouvelles.
It is indeed important to know that smog is classified as an allergen.
“We have an immunological reactivity to an allergen, be it pollen, dust mites, animals… all of these trigger an immunological reaction,” explains Ms. Francoeur.
Like cigarettes, smog irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and lungs.
It makes symptoms worse in asthmatics, if you will, but it can also be a very irritating phenomenon for people who haven’t had symptoms, prompting them to develop symptoms later. It weakens the airways and increases the risk of sensitization to various allergenic particles,” explains the allergist again.
To avoid health problems, experts recommend citizens to limit their exposure to smog.
– Wear a mask outdoors
-Use an air purifier
-Close the window
-Avoid outdoor activities
According to meteorologist Gilles Brien, walking the streets of Montreal and Quebec City on Sunday is like walking into a room with five to six smokers.