A clear blue sky indicates good health.
The Quebec Medical Association for the Environment (AQME) has been at the forefront of advocating for improved air quality, particularly in Montreal. In a recent development, the AQME has released its Framework of Reference on Air, which highlights the harmful effects of fine particles (PM 2.5) on health at lower levels than previously thought.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average PM 2.5 concentration in Montreal since May has been 17.6 μg/m, more than three times the recommended maximum. This has resulted in only 68% of the days since May in Montreal having a PM 2.5 concentration below the WHO's daily recommendation of 15 μg/m, meaning 33 days have exceeded the recommended maximum levels.
The harmful effects of fine particles on health occur at levels that were previously considered safe, according to the latest international reports on this issue. This underscores the importance of the AQME's Framework, which identifies atmospheric pollution as a significant contributor to long-term respiratory and cardiac problems, cancer development, early dementias, neurodevelopmental problems in children, fertility issues, reduced life expectancy, and climate disruption.
To address this issue, the AQME is calling for a National Strategy for Clean Air. The organization is also advocating for structuring measures to prioritize air quality at different government levels. The AQME is collaborating with other organizations in the Transit Alliance, and the Transit Alliance is demanding increased and secured funding for public transit, which could help reduce air pollution.
The AQME is engaging in dialogue with society and political decision-makers, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels to improve air quality. The summer has been marked by poor air quality, smoke, and gray skies across the country, with Quebec being among the most polluted cities due to smoke from forest fires in other provinces. However, the cycle of seasons is expected to bring an end to these fires.
The WHO has significantly lowered its recommendations for maximum concentrations of fine particles in the atmosphere to minimize health effects. The AQME's Framework of Reference on Air also emphasizes the importance of International Clean Air Day, designated by the WHO on September 7, to emphasize the importance of air quality for human and environmental health.
Despite the challenges, the AQME's efforts aim to protect human health from the consequences of poor air quality. The organization's work underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to ensure cleaner air for all.
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