Environment Canada issues Smog Warning for Montreal
Montreal is rolling through February’s second full work-week with another smog warning.
According to Environment Canada, high concentration of pollutants are expected to linger until tonight, and will result in poor air quality — particularly in urban areas where pollutant emissions are higher.
Smog is especially harmful to asthmatic children and people with respiratory ailments or heart disease, according to the alert. The weather agency recommends that these specific individuals avoid intense physical activity outdoors until the warning is lifted.
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The alert was issued in the early hours Tuesday, and is in effect for the following areas:
- Châteauguay – La Prairie area
- Laval area
- Longueuil – Varennes area
- Montréal Island area
Environment Canada says that simple things such as using public transit, reducing driving speed, and not letting car engines idle unnecessarily can all improve air quality.
Quebec residents are also urged to stop using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces until the warning has subsided, as wood heating is the main source of fine particles that contribute to smog during winter.
For air quality indexes in Quebec, visit Ministère du Développement durable website and for Montreal’s air quality, the Réseau de surveillance de la qualité de l’air de la Ville de Montréal.
The website also asks citizens to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
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