Pollution causes more and more health problems

During the 78th congress of the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS), Dr. Louis Drouin from Direction de la santé publique mentioned that air pollution is causing more and more health problems in Quebec, especially in Montreal.

According to the doctor, this is a direct consequence of urban development that emphasizes cars. The number of cars has been increasing on Quebec roads since 1960. This has resulted in an increase in suspended particles in the air we breathe.

Dr. Drouin says, "The mortality rate linked to cardiorespiratory illnesses represents 1,500 premature deaths in Montreal. Smog affects 114,000 asthmatics every year in the city. The problem of allergic rhinitis has been increasing hand over fist for the past 15 years. The pollen period has grown from 48 days to 70 days and pollen concentrations have also grown."

The doctor also says that people who live less than 200 metres from a highway are hospitalized more often. Pregnant women living in the same area are 17% more likely  to give birth to an low birth weight baby.

The conference strongly recommends reducing the number of vehicles on the road, putting more emphasis on public transit and pedestrian areas.