The Laval Regional Public Health Department recommends that schools and early childhood centers (CPE) in its territory keep children indoors today due to the smog linked to the forest fires in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. No outdoor recreation, physical education classes or outdoor activities.
The regional director of public health, Dr.r Jean-Pierre Trépanier, issued his opinion on Monday afternoon. “We have a plume of smoke coming from forest fires in Abitibi,” he explains. The worst day is going to be today. Environment Canada predicts “poor” air quality in Greater Montreal in the morning and afternoon on Tuesday, but “acceptable” in the evening and next night.
Public Health recalls that smog can in particular cause eye irritation, wheezing or difficulty breathing, increased shortness of breath on exertion as well as aggravation of asthma and existing heart and lung disorders. . “Some children who may be asthmatic and those who exercise more vigorously outdoors could be affected by smog”
He points out that his recommendation to keep students inside schools and toddlers in CPEs is exceptional. “It’s the first time I’ve done this in 15 years,” said the regional director of public health in Laval. He believes he will be able to lift his recommendation at the end of the day, but wait before confirming it.
The Montreal Regional Public Health Department, for its part, does not recommend that schools and CPEs keep children indoors. However, she calls on Montrealers to be vigilant. She encourages them to stay indoors, close the doors and windows of their home, turn off the air exchanger (or put it in recirculation mode only) and avoid doing any physical activity outside.
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