Breathe easy: N95 masks to be distributed as air quality concerns continue

Health authorities in eastern Montreal are set to distributeN95 masks to those who are vulnerable to poor air quality from thelarge-scale fires in northern Quebec.

Establishments inMontrgie and Gatineau have also announced a targeted distribution of N95 masks due to the smoke particles.

According to an internal memo sent Tuesday to managers and employees of the CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'le-de-Montral, the regional public health authority"recommends staying indoors and distribution of N95 masks to the targeted groups of vulnerable people below who will have to go outside [...]: people with asthma; heart conditions; people with respiratory problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis; seniors and pregnant women."

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Dr. Ral Barrette, a family physician and medical director at the Center of Expertise in Chronic Diseases for the CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'le-de-Montral, expects other institutions will followsuit.

"Given the episodes of poor air quality, we can expect an expanded distribution in Montreal of N95 masks to people who have to be exposed to smog, especially for vulnerable people," he said.

Public health authorities meton Tuesday to discuss the issue.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health, Quebec had 37 million N95 masks and8 million KN95 masks in April. The province spent $53 million in 2022-23 to buy N95 masks.

On Tuesday, Environment Canada forecasts indicated that the air quality would remain acceptable until Thursday in southern Quebec.