May 11, 2010 – Health problems related to air pollution are on the rise in cities across Quebec, especially in Montreal. A direct consequence of urban development in the service of the automobile, says Dr.r Louis Drouin, of the Direction de santé publique (DSP) of Montreal.
He made these remarks during his presentation on the impacts of urban transport on health, presented as part of the 78e congress of the Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), which takes place in Montreal1.
Dr Louis Drouin
Studies on the intensity of automobile use have shown that the kilometers traveled by a car annually (VKP) in Quebec have skyrocketed the concentration of particles suspended in breathing air since the 1960s.
“The death rate linked to cardiorespiratory diseases represents 1,500 premature deaths in Montreal,” explains Dr.r Drouin2. Smog alone affects 114,000 people with asthma each year.
People who live within 200 meters of a highway are experiencing an increase in hospitalization, especially 21% of the elderly, he argues. Pregnant women located in the same radius will give birth to small babies, a figure that reaches 17% in Montreal.
Climate changes
Road transport is the main emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for climate change. These pollutants represent 42% of emissions in the metropolis, and 40% across Quebec. Temperatures get hotter and stay that way longer, explains Louis Drouin.
“For the past 15 years, the problems of allergic rhinitis have been exponential. The pollen period has gone from 48 days to 70 days and pollen concentrations have also increased, ”he explains.
The Direction de santé publique de Montréal suggests several solutions, in particular the moratorium on highway projects, the Turcot interchange, rue Notre-Dame and the extension of highway 25. The DSP’s recommendations aim to reduce the number of cars, greater use of public transit and better consideration of pedestrians in urban planning.
“The health benefits are manifold,” explains Dr.r Drouin. A transit user walks about 20 minutes a day, enough to be considered physically active. “
The recommendations of the DSP of Montreal were not adopted by the Ministry of Transport.
Danny Raymond – HealthPassport.net
1. The Acfas congress will take place from May 10 to 14, 2010, at the University of Montreal. For more information: www.acfas.ca
2. The Dr Louis Drouin is notably responsible for the urban environment and health service. Its mandate is in particular to assess the impact of transport and urbanization on public health and to advise the government on the solutions to be provided.
