Wildfires and Air Quality
Wildfires are frequent in Quebec and are often caused by lightning or human activity. It is important to take measures to prevent forest fires by staying informed about fire danger and adhering to current restrictions.
When a wildfire burns forests and grasslands, it produces dense smoke. The smoke can travel hundreds of kilometers and affect the air quality in distant cities. The smoke contains fine particles and gases and can have health effects on people of all ages.
What are the health effects of smoke?
Symptoms
Mild symptoms can appear when exposed to fine particles in smoke. These symptoms are transient and resolve on their own:
- Eye irritation;
- Runny nose;
- Congestion;
- Mild cough;
- Sore throat;
- Headache.
More severe symptoms (usually occurring in asthmatic individuals) include:
- Significant cough;
- Shortness of breath;
- Wheezing;
- Dizziness;
- Heart palpitations;
- Chest pain.
Who are the most at-risk individuals?
The most vulnerable individuals to poor air quality are:
- People with respiratory or heart problems;
- People aged 65 and older;
- Pregnant women;
- Babies and children under 5 years old.
Actions to take if you have symptoms:
- Go indoors and stay there;
- Keep asthma medications handy if you have them;
- Call Info-Santé at 811, option 1, or dial 911 depending on the severity of the symptoms (e.g., chest pain);
- Inform your loved ones if necessary (e.g., parents, caregivers).
How to protect yourself from outdoor smoke?
Check the air quality
To know if the current air quality in your area is good, acceptable, or poor, check the air quality index.
To check the air quality, visit:
- Real-time: AQMAP;
- 72-hour forecast: National Wildfire Smoke Model.
Adjust your activities
Adjust your activities by paying attention to any symptoms you may experience. Everyone is different, and some more sensitive individuals may experience symptoms and need to adjust their activities at lower concentrations than those suggested.
For more information, visit: Preventing health effects from wildfire smoke exposure.
Recommendations for workers
Advice from the Provincial Occupational Health Medical Committee (CMPSATQ) on wildfire smoke (including forest fires).
Using an air purifier
Portable filtration devices (air purifiers) can help improve indoor air quality if equipped with HEPA filters and correctly selected, used, and maintained. However, these devices are not deemed necessary for the entire Quebec population.
If you wish to use one, consult Health Canada's advice: Wildfire Smoke 101: Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
Psychosocial support
If you feel anxiety, stress, or sadness related to the wildfire situation, psychosocial help is available.
A crisis situation like wildfires affects everyone closely or from afar and disrupts our daily lives. Any stressful situation causes physical and emotional reactions, and everyone experiences them differently.
- Anxiety;
- Anger;
- Worry;
- Headaches;
- Fear;
- Strained family and social relationships;
- Sleep disturbances.
All these reactions are normal in a stressful situation. However, when it becomes difficult to function normally in daily activities and in relationships with others, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Help is available. Contact your local CLSC or call 811, option 2 (Info-Social - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
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