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OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the relationships between deprivation at Quebec public schools, their proximity to polluting industries, and their exposure to industrial air emission sources including ambient fine particulate matter ([PM.sub.2.5]), sulphur dioxide (S[O.sub.2]) and nitrogen dioxide (N[O.sub.2]). METHODS: We obtained four indicators of school deprivation using data from the 2006 Canadian census called the low-income threshold indicator, the neighbourhood SES indicator, and the social and material deprivation indicators of Pampalon. Using proximity spatial tools, we constructed three buffers of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 km around each school and summed up total emissions of [PM.sub.2.5], S[O.sub.2] and N[O.sub.2] for each school. Industrial air emissions were estimated using data from the 2006 Canadian National Pollutant Release Inventory. The Pearson correlations and LOESS regressions and natural log-transformed industrial air emissions were evaluated for Quebec public schools within the three buffers. RESULTS: Of the 2189 public schools in Quebec, 608 (27.8%), 1108 (50.6%) and 1384 (63.2%) schools were located near at least one industry emitting one or more pollutants of interest in buffers of 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km of schools respectively. Weak positive Pearson correlations (r) were found between logtransformed tons of industrial emissions of [PM.sub.2.5], S[O.sub.2] and N[O.sub.2] and both the social deprivation (r = {0.23; 0.33}) and low-income threshold (r = {0.17; 0.29}) indicators in a buffer of 2.5 km. However, we found negative associations between emissions and the neighbourhood SES (r = {0.06; 0.16}) and material deprivation (r = {-0.04; 0.08}) indicators. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that schools in Quebec with higher rates of socio-economic deprivation among their students may be more likely to be exposed to higher emissions of industrial air pollutants. KEY WORDS: Air pollution; child; industry; school; social class OBJECTIFS : L'objectif de cette etude etait d'explorer la relation entre le niveau de defavorisation des ecoles publiques quebecoises, leur proximite aux sources industrielles et leur exposition aux emissions industrielles de particules fines ([PM.sub.2.5]), de dioxyde de soufre (S[O.sub.2]) et d'oxydes d'azote (NOx). METHODES : L'indice de faible revenu (SFR), l'indice de milieu socioeconomique (IMSE) et les indices de defavorisation sociale et materielle de Pampalon, bases sur le recensement de 2006, ont ete utilises. Des cercles de rayons de 2,5 km, 5 km et 7,5 km ont ete construits autour des ecoles. En utilisant l'Inventaire national de rejets de polluants, les emissions industrielles de [PM.sub.2.5], S[O.sub.2] et N[O.sub.2] de l'annee 2006 ont ete sommees dans chaque rayon. Les relations entre les emissions industrielles log-transformees et la defavorisation ont ete evaluees pour les ecoles en utilisant des correlations de Pearson et des regressions LOESS. RESULTATS : Des 2189 ecoles incluses dans cette etude, 608 (27,8%), 1108 (50,6%) et 1384 (63,2%) etaient localisees a proximite d'au moins une industrie emettrice d'un ou plusieurs polluants d'interet dans un rayon de 2,5 km, 5 km et 7,5 km autour des ecoles, respectivement. Des correlations de Pearson (r) positives ont ete notees entre les tonnes d'emissions industrielles log-transformees de [PM.sub.2.5], S[O.sub.2] et N[O.sub.2] et l'indice de defavorisation sociale de Pampalon (r = {0,23; 0,33}) et le SFR (r = {0,17; 0,29}) dans un rayon de 2.5 km. Cependant des correlations contre-intuitives ont ete observees avec l'IMSE (r = {0,06; 0,16}) et l'indice de defavorisation materielle de Pampalon (r = {-0,04; 0,08}). CONCLUSION : Cette etude suggere que les ecoles quebecoises plus defavorisees pourraient etre davantage exposees aux emissions industrielles de polluants de l'air que les autres. MOTS-CLES : ecole; enfant; industrie; statut socio-economique; pollution de l'air, Primary ambient air pollutants, namely particulate matter ([PM.sub.2.5]), sulphur dioxide (S[O.sub.2]) and nitrogen dioxide (N[O.sub.2]), are largely emitted by anthropogenic sources such as vehicular traffic and industry. (1-3) Exposure to [...]

Objective: Estimate the number of awakenings additional to spontaneous awakenings, induced by the nighttime aircraft movements at an international airport in Montreal, in the population residing nearby in 2009. Methods: Maximum sound levels ([L.sub.AS,max]) were derived from aircraft movements using the Integrated Noise Model 7.0b, on a 28 x 28 km grid centred on the airport and with a 0.1 x 0.1 km resolution. Outdoor [L.sub.AS,max] were converted to indoor [L.sub.AS,max] by reducing noise levels by 15 dB(A) or 21 dB(A). For all grid points, [L.sub.AS,max] were transformed into probabilities of additional awakening using a function developed by Basner et al. (2006). The probabilities of additional awakening were linked to estimated numbers of exposed residents for each grid location to assess the number of aircraft-noise-induced awakenings in Montreal. Results: Using a 15 dB(A) sound attenuation, 590 persons would, on average, have one or more additional awakenings per night for the year 2009. In the scenario using a 21 dB(A) sound attenuation, on average, no one would be subjected to one or more additional awakenings per night due to aircraft noise. Conclusion: Using the 2009 flight patterns, our data suggest that a small number of Montreal residents are exposed to noise levels that could induce one or more awakenings additional to spontaneous awakenings per night. Key words: Noise; sleep; aircraft, risk assessment Objectif : Estimer le nombre de reveils additionnels aux reveils spontanes, generes par les mouvements aeriens nocturnes, de la population residant a proximite d'un aeroport international sur l'ile de Montreal en 2009. Methode : Les niveaux sonores maximaux ([L.sub.AS,max]) ont ete determines a partir des mouvements aeriens suite a l'aide de l'Integrated Noise Model 7,0b pour une grille de points de 28 x 28 km centree sur l'aeroport a une resolution de 0,1 x 0,1 km. Les [L.sub.AS,max] exterieurs ont ete convertis en [L.sub.AS,max] interieurs en les reduisant de 15 dB(A) ou 21 dB(A). Ensuite les [L.sub.AS,max] de chaque point de grille ont ete transformes en probabilite de reveils additionnels a l'aide d'une fonction developpee par Basner et coll. (2006). Les probabilites de reveils additionnels calculees ont ete associees au nombre de residents se trouvant a chaque point de grille afin d'estimer les reveils additionnels lies aux mouvements aeriens a Montreal. Resultats : En utilisant l'attenuation sonore de 15 dB(A), 590 individus auraient, en moyenne, un reveil additionnel ou plus par nuit en 2009. Cependant, en utilisant l'attenuation sonore de 21 dB(A), en moyenne, aucun individu n'eprouverait un reveil additionnel ou plus par nuit. Conclusion : Selon nos resultats, issus des mouvements aeriens de 2009, un nombre restreint de Montrealais seraient exposes a des niveaux sonores pouvant induire un reveil additionnel aux reveils spontanes ou plus par nuit. Mots cles : bruit; sommeil; avion; analyse de risque, In recent years, many studies on the adverse effects of environmental noise levels have been published. Increased environmental noise levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases, (1-3) annoyance, (4) cognitive performance [...]

Objectives: Environmental factors associated with winter outdoor falls are poorly understood. This study describes the demographic, spatial and temporal distribution of outdoor falls that occurred in Laval and Montreal Island (Canada) in relation to meteorological conditions. Method: Data on falls, including geographic coordinates, were obtained from ambulance services (December 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009). Meteorological (temperature, precipitation levels) and land use data were used for descriptive analysis and mapping. Results: During the study period, 3,270 falls required ambulance interventions, of which 960 occurred outdoors. Most people injured outdoors were under 65 years of age (59%). Mapping showed a concentration of outdoor falls in central neighbourhoods and on commercial streets in Montreal. Three episodes of excess falls, representing 47% of all outdoor falls, were preceded by rain and followed by falling temperatures, or were concomitant with freezing rain. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time the distribution of outdoor falls in a densely populated urban setting with a northern climate. To promote active transportation, it is essential to take into account the safety of pedestrian travel. Snow removal and de-icing operations in municipalities should prioritize areas with high pedestrian activity. Key words: Accidental falls; injuries; weather; rain; walking La traduction du resume se trouve a la fin de l'article. Objectifs : Les facteurs environnementaux lies aux chutes exterieures en hiver sont meconnus. Cette etude decrit l'ampleur et la localisation des chutes exterieures survenues a Montreal et a Laval (Canada), ainsi que les conditions meteorologiques associees. Methodologie : Les caracteristiques des chutes exterieures, incluant la localisation geographique, proviennent des interventions ambulancieres (1er decembre 2008 au 31 janvier 2009). L'analyse descriptive inclut les donnees meteorologiques (temperature, precipitations) et l'occupation du territoire. Resultats : En deux mois, 3 270 chutes ont necessite une intervention ambulanciere, dont 960 chutes exterieures. La majorite (59 %) des personnes blessees a l'exterieur ont moins de 65 ans. La cartographie montre une concentration des chutes exterieures dans les quartiers centraux montrealais et sur les rues commerciales. Trois episodes d'exces de chutes, qui representent 47 % des chutes exterieures, sont associees a la pluie suivie d'un refroidissement ou au verglas. Conclusion : Ces resultats demontrent l'etendue et la localisation du probleme des chutes exterieures dans un milieu urbain densement peuple, soumis au climat nordique. La promotion des transports actifs implique une prise en compte de la securite des deplacements a pied. Dans les municipalites, les operations de deneigement et d'epandage d'abrasif devraient prioriser les zones de forte affluence pietonne. Mots cles : chutes; blessures; climat; marche, Falls account for approximately 2,300 deaths and 110,170 hospitalizations each year in Canada. (1) Several studies show seasonal variations in rates of falls and fractures of the hip (2-6) and [...]

Objectives: Exposure to traffic-related air pollutants plays a role in several health outcomes. A large body of evidence tends to link asthma in children with traffic exposure. Increasing asthma prevalence and incidence in children in Canadian cities has been of concern for public health authorities. The following study focuses on estimating the risk of asthma prevalence attributable to residing in proximity to major roads on the Island of Montreal, Canada. Methods: Risk functions pertaining to asthma in children and residential proximity to major roads were selected from the literature and applied to Montreal. Asthma prevalence was taken from population-based studies. Population data were retrieved from Canadian census. Exposure was estimated using the proximity to major road and highway category of the Desktop Mapping Technologies Inc. database (DMTI Spatial Inc.). Results: Based on different studies, the percentage of prevalent asthma cases attributable to residing within 50 metres of a major road or highway for children aged 2, 4 and 6 years varied between 2.4% (0-4.3), 5.6% (0.1-8.6) and 5.9% (0.1-9.0). For the 5-7 year age group residing within 75 m of a major road or highway, the percent of cases was 6.4% (2.6-9.3). For children aged 8 to 10 residing within 75 m of a highway only, the percent of cases was 0.7% (0.2-0.9). Conclusion: These numbers represent the best crude estimates and are an indication of a possible range of cases linked to residential proximity to major roads. As there are uncertainties linked to the application of exposure-response functions, these estimates will be reassessed as new evidence is gathered through further research. Key words: Asthma; attributable risks; children; traffic; air pollutants La traduction du resume se trouve a la fin de l'article. Objectif : L'exposition aux polluants atmospheriques lies au trafic routier contribue a plusieurs resultats sanitaires. De nombreuses preuves tendent a lier l'asthme chez les enfants a l'exposition au trafic routier. La prevalence et l'incidence croissantes de l'asthme chez les enfants dans les villes du Canada preoccupent les autorites de sante publique. Nous avons estime le risque de prevalence de l'asthme imputable au fait de resider a proximite de grandes arteres sur l'ile de Montreal, au Canada. Methode : Nous avons selectionne dans la litterature scientifique et applique a Montreal les fonctions de risque afferentes a l'asthme chez les enfants et au fait d'habiter a proximite de grandes arteres. La prevalence de l'asthme vient d'une etude populationnelle. Les donnees demographiques sont extraites du Recensement du Canada. Nous avons estime l'exposition a l'aide d'une categorie de la base de donnees de Desktop Mapping Technologies Inc. (DMTI Spatial Inc.): << proximite de grandes routes et arteres >>. Resultats : D'apres differentes etudes, le pourcentage de prevalence des cas d'asthme imputable au fait de vivre a moins de 50 metres d'une grande route ou artere, pour les enfants de 2, 4 et 6 ans, variait entre 2,4% (0-4,3), 5,6% (0,1-8,6) et 5,9% (0,1-9,0). Dans le groupe des 5 a 7 ans vivant a moins de 75 m d'une grande route ou artere, le pourcentage de cas etait de 6,4% (2,6-9,3). Chez les enfants de 8 a 10 ans vivant a moins de 75 m d'une route seulement, le pourcentage de cas etait de 0,7% (0,2-0,9). Conclusion : Ces chiffres representent les meilleures estimations brutes et pourraient indiquer un eventail de cas lies au fait de resider a proximite d'une grande route. Il y a cependant des incertitudes liees a l'application des fonctions exposition-reaction; ces estimations seront donc reevaluees a mesure que les chercheurs reuniront de nouvelles preuves. Mots cles : asthme; risques attribuables; enfant; trafic routier; polluants atmospheriques, Vehicle traffic emissions result in a complex mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (mainly ultra-fine particles) and air toxics (1,3-butadiene, benzene, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAHs). For [...]

Dear Editor: Risk estimates are frequently used in public health practice to guide authorities responsible for adopting policies that protect public health. There are uncertainties in all risk estimates, most [...]