Air quality statements return for parts of southern Manitoba

After a couple of months in the clear, smoke from forest fires is returning to parts of southern Manitoba.

Wildfires north of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan had already been affecting the air quality in parts of northern Manitoba earlier in the week.

Environment Canada says that now portions of west-central Manitoba will be affected Thursday as winds shift to northwesterly behind an advancing cold front. Smoke is expected to increase in concentration late this morning or early this afternoon over portions of west-central Manitoba.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for areas including Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Minnedosa, Riding Mountain National Park, and Gladstone in the south. The Pas, and Wanless are among area under the advisory further north.

"This special air quality statement may be expanded as conditions are monitored on Thursday and the exact extent of the smoke becomes more clear," Environment Canada says in the air quality statement.

From Environment Canada:

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Due to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose.

In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, Manitobans are encouraged to:
- limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
- turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
- keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials

People at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.

Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. More information on the health effects of smoke is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.