Smoke from Manitoba wildfires is impacting our air quality.
Officials with CK Public Health said the lingering smoke is expected to lead to poor air quality and reduced visibility Monday and possibly into Tuesday.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations, officials said. Additionally, people with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
To reduce exposure, it is recommended you stop or reduce activity levels and contact a health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.
Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
Temporarily relocate or find a location in your community with clean, cool air such as a public library, shopping mall or community centre.
If you must spend time outdoors, consider masking up. A well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke that pose the greatest risk to health.
