New publications in English
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July-06-21
Global warming could have particularly severe impacts on Canada. It is estimated that temperatures in Canada increased at roughly twice the global mean rate over the 1948–2016 period, with a mean annual increase of 1.7°C compared to a global increase of 0.8°C. Periods of extreme heat have become more frequent and more intense in most provinces. Without appropriate preventive actions, these changes could lead to an increase in mortality and morbidity rates, affecting, among others, urban populations and the elderly as well as disadvantaged individuals and those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. The relationship between mortality and heat waves or high ambient temperatures is well documented. In Quebec, higher rates of ambulance transport, emergency room admissions and deaths have been reported during regional extreme heat waves than during comparison periods.
Although the effects of extreme heat on the health of the general population have been documented,...
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June-29-21
Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is a chronic disorder characterized by multiple recurrent non-specific symptoms triggered or exacerbated by exposure to odours present in the environment at low concentrations—concentrations tolerated by most people.
People who are the most severely affected suffer from a chronic impairment that prevents them from functioning normally in their social and professional lives.
Various epidemiological studies have found different levels of prevalence of MCS in the general population, ranging from 0,5% to 3% for cases diagnosed by a doctor. This figure can be as high as 32% when selfdiagnosed cases are included.
In Canada, the number of annual medical consultations for individuals suffering from MCS greatly exceeds that of a comparable control population.
Against this backdrop, Québec’s ministry of health and social services, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS), entrusted Québec’s public health...
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March-22-21
- There are many sources of noise, which increase the difficulty of mitigating the effects. Some examples are noise from road and air traffic, as well as rail noise, noise from port (harbor) facilities or from construction sites.
- Land-use planning and management are some effective and key noise control and mitigation measures. These measures are planned and implemented by regional county municipalities (RCM), municipalities and proponents.
- There are various best environmental noise mitigation practices, from active transportation to street design, by way of the orientation of buildings and inner rooms, not to mention noise barriers and the addition of plants arranged in an optimal manner. Although the effectiveness of several of these measures has been quantified, they are poorly known.
- Since environmental noise has harmful effects on people’s physical and psycho-social health and quality of life, applying these solutions will help properly protect...