Why Ventilation Is Crucial for Homes Near Highways in Montréal (AirGreen Study)

Polluted outdoor air can infiltrate your home: when living near a highway becomes a health risk

At AirGreen, we conducted a thorough study on the impact of vehicle pollution on indoor air quality in residential neighborhoods bordering major expressways in Montréal, particularly areas near Highway 40, the Décarie Expressway, and Route 132 on the South Shore. The findings are clear: without an efficient HVAC ventilation system, residents in these areas may be exposed daily to a cocktail of harmful pollutants—often invisible, but very real.

Road pollution and home infiltration: an underestimated threat

Vehicles release large amounts of pollutants, including:

• Fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

• Carbon monoxide

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These elements can easily enter a poorly ventilated home, especially when windows are open or the building is older. Our analysis shows that homes located within 500 meters of a highway have up to 5 times more fine particles indoors than homes further away—when no proper mechanical ventilation is in place.

Case study: a family home in East Montréal

AirGreen was recently called to a single-family home located close to the Metropolitan Expressway. The family reported frequent headaches, respiratory issues among the children, and persistent unpleasant odors, especially in summer when windows were open.

Our diagnosis revealed:

• A high concentration of fine particles indoors

• Excess humidity promoting bacterial growth

• Inadequate natural ventilation

• No heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system in place

We proceeded to install a centralized ventilation system with HEPA filtration and humidity control.

Implemented solution: mechanical ventilation designed for urban environments

The intervention included:

• Installation of a Venmar EVO5 HRV, specifically designed for high-pollution urban areas

• A sealed and insulated duct network to prevent energy loss

• High-efficiency HEPA filters, easily replaceable

• Smart programming based on humidity levels and pollutant detection

• Strategically placed diffusers to ensure even air circulation

The entire setup was installed in 2 days, with minimal disruption to the occupants.

Results observed after 30 days of use

• 90% reduction in indoor fine particles

• Complete elimination of odors and a noticeable improvement in indoor freshness

• Better sleep quality reported by the residents

• Significant reduction in children’s respiratory symptoms

These results strongly confirm the critical importance of a high-performance HVAC ventilation system in areas exposed to road pollution.

Why mechanical ventilation is essential near highways

Unlike natural ventilation, which is ineffective against gaseous pollutants and ultra-fine dust, mechanical ventilation systems:

• Ensure continuous air renewal

• Filter out external pollutants

• Reduce humidity and mold risks

• Improve the building’s overall energy performance

• Promote occupant health

AirGreen’s tips for homes near traffic-heavy areas

1. Avoid opening windows during rush hour

2. Install an HRV or ERV with HEPA filters

3. Have your ducts and ventilation system inspected every 2 to 3 years

4. Clean or replace filters every 6 months

5. Watch for signs of poor air quality: condensation, odors, fatigue, headaches

Our services across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore

At AirGreen, we handle residential and commercial ventilation installations in all high-traffic zones, including:

• Montréal (Anjou, Saint-Laurent, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Ahuntsic)

• Laval (Pont-Viau, Chomedey, Fabreville)

• Longueuil and Brossard on the South Shore

• Blainville, Bois-des-Filion, and Lavaltrie on the North Shore

AirGreen expertise: why trust us

• Certified specialists in HVAC mechanical ventilation

• Complete indoor air quality analysis

• Custom solutions tailored to your external environment

• Compliance with building and public health standards

• Reliable, durable, and high-performance equipment

In summary: ventilation is a major public health issue in urban areas

Living near a highway in Montréal or on the South Shore comes with health implications. Without proper ventilation, chronic exposure to pollutants can negatively impact quality of life over time.

At AirGreen, we believe every home deserves optimal indoor air quality, regardless of location. With our custom installations, high-performance filters, and technical know-how, we help families breathe clean air—even in the heart of the city.

Contact us today for a free evaluation of your ventilation system.