Special air quality statement lifted in Montreal
Some statements still in effect for parts of Eastern Townships and northern Quebec
The special air quality statement was lifted for Montreal on Sunday morning while some statements are still in effect for parts of the Eastern Townships and northern Quebec after two days of warnings.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says the health risk has been reduced in Montreal. On its website, it stated that the risk is 'moderate' or a 5 out of 10 for most of the province.
It said people don't need to change their usual outdoor activities unless they start experiencing symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough.
The agency said at-risk populations — which include people who are aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants, and young children or people with existing or chronic illnesses — should continue to take precautions.
Air pollution can affect people's health in different ways: from a scratchy throat to more serious issues like difficulty breathing or heart problems.
The smoke is expected to continue dissipating on Sunday, according to the ECCC.
Wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba triggered the movement of smoke plumes that drifted as far as Quebec on Friday. This prompted the ECCC to issue warnings over air quality for most of southern Quebec, including Montreal, and parts of northern Quebec.
Written by Hénia Ould-Hammou, with files from Rowan Kennedy and Annabelle Olivier