Environment Canada has issued a smog warning in the Quebec region since Saturday evening, as smoke from forest fires is raging further north in the province.
• Also read: Poor air quality: seven tips on how to protect yourself from smoke
• Also read: Weather in Quebec: sunny weather and smog for Sunday
According to the Federal Weather Service, “high concentrations of fine dust” have drastically worsened the air quality and reduced visibility in places.
These difficult conditions are expected to continue tomorrow.
Today, the view of residents of the country’s capital was obscured by smoke.
The highest tower of the Château Frontenac, the emblem of the city of Québec par excellence, was barely visible from the port.
You can hardly see the Videotron Center from the upper town. Photo Edith Hammond
Ditto for the Videotron Center which was difficult to see from the upper town.
From the Île-d’Orléans, the entire city center was hidden behind microparticles.
According to census site IQAir, air quality poses a health risk in all of the capital’s central districts and is “unhealthy for vulnerable people” in outlying areas.
The Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS has also urged the entire population to take the necessary precautions to avoid excessive exposure to smoke. The CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale followed suit in the hours that followed.
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.
Montreal, the worst in the world
If Quebecers were affected by smoke from the north over the weekend, they can at least take comfort in the knowledge that the situation in Montreal was even worse.
As of today, the metropolis has risen to become the worst in the world in terms of air pollution, according to IQAir.
Thus, it largely covered the city of Kuwait of the country of the same name and Tehran, the capital of Iran.
This afternoon, the air quality index in the metropolis was 215, according to the online platform IQAir. The index of “extremely unhealthy” air is between 201 and 300.
Triathlon canceled
The smoke in the air also forced the cancellation of several sporting events, including the Ironman 70.3 in Mont-Tremblant.
More than 3,000 participants were expected today for the popular Laurentian triathlon.
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