High levels of air pollutants have caused Environment Canada to issue a smog warning for the Montreal and Laval regions. According to the department, urban areas with higher pollution levels would have the worst air quality. The statement mentioned that “High concentrations of pollutants can be expected and will result in poor air quality overnight tonight and Friday morning, especially in urban areas where emissions of pollutants are higher.”
Until the warning is lifted, those with heart illness, respiratory conditions and children with asthma are being advised to refrain from engaging in heavy outdoor physical activity for safety purpose. The statement reads, “Smog especially affects asthmatic children and people with respiratory ailments or heart disease. It is therefore recommended that these individuals avoid intense physical activity outdoors until the smog warning is lifted.”
“In Quebec, wood heating is the main source of fine particles that contribute to smog during winter. This activity generates the largest number of these particulates, more than industrial activities and transportation,” the statement continued.
Wood heating, according to Environment Canada is the primary producer of wintertime smog particles, outperforming traffic and industry. The statement advised to “consult your municipality’s website to find out if there are any rules governing the use of wood-burning stoves or fireplaces in your community.”
Using a wood or solid fuel for burning appliance in Montreal is illegal unless it produces less than 2.5 grams of particles per hour. Even the certified wood stoves and solid fuel appliances are not allowed to be used during smog warnings, and violators has to pay fines. The statement added, “We can all help improve air quality by doing simple things, such as limiting the use of fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, opting to use public transit, reducing our driving speed and not letting our car engines idle unnecessarily.”
