Montreal’s air quality will deteriorate due to wildfires, Minister François Bonnardel warns, recommending citizens to close their windows and avoid intense outdoor sports activities.

“From the evening of June 15, a cloud with a high concentration of particulate matter could hit the Montreal, Outaouais, Laurentians and Lanaudière regions,” said the Minister of Public Safety.

For reasons of public health, the minister has made several recommendations so that the population can protect themselves.

“Leave the windows closed if possible, move less outside. It would be less important than what we already experienced five or six days ago, but could be a concern for some people who may have breathing problems,” explained François Bonnardel.

Currently, the cloud affects the Cree territories of Baie-James, the North-du-Québec region and part of Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Multiple cities affected?

Yesterday Secretary Bonnardel indicated that this cloud could have implications for the United States.

“Definitely, depending on the wind speed in the coming days,” he said.

Last week, smoke from wildfires affected air quality in major US cities like New York. A dense orange smog and a strong smell of coal filled the air in the Big Apple.

Last Wednesday, the White House urged vulnerable Americans to “take precautions” in the face of deteriorating air quality on the east coast of the United States in the wake of the fierce fires in Canada.

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 (AQIUS)

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 out for symptoms like 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 out for symptoms like 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.

Still critical

In addition, the American reinforcements sent by President Joe Biden to put out the fires in Quebec will arrive on the scene in the coming hours.

There are still concerns, especially in Lebel-sur-Quévillon.

For this population “it will be difficult to give them a little hope before 48 to 72 hours, depending on the weather,” the minister said.