As the wildfire season progresses, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is urging residents to stay informed about local weather and air-quality conditions and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the effects of wildfire smoke.
Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms such as sore eyes, tearing, coughing, and a runny nose. It can also exacerbate pre-existing heart and lung conditions, including asthma. Prolonged or heavy exposure to smoke may result in more serious health issues.
To mitigate the impact of poor air quality, Manitobans are advised to:
- Limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous ones, and opt for being outside when the air is less smoky.
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed, using fans to circulate air and maintain a cool environment.
- Set air-conditioning units to recirculate air to avoid drawing smoke indoors, including in vehicles.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Use room air cleaners with HEPA filters if available.
- Avoid smoking or burning other materials indoors to keep the air cleaner.
Certain groups, such as children, the elderly, individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors, are at a higher risk and should take precautions even when smoke conditions are light to moderate. Healthy individuals should take precautions during heavy smoke conditions. Those with heart or lung conditions are advised to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations, ensure they have an adequate supply of medication, and monitor their health closely.
For current air quality levels, Manitobans can visit Weather.gc.ca.
Manitoba Health emphasizes the importance of planning and discussing ways to support vulnerable family members, friends, or neighbors during poor air quality events. The agency also notes that wildfires and poor air quality can coincide with summer heat waves, and in such cases, heat exposure may pose a greater danger than smoke. Individuals should balance the need to stay cool by possibly keeping windows open with the need to reduce smoke exposure. Additionally, maintaining mental health and well-being through outdoor activities is important for some, and they should find ways to stay active while minimizing smoke exposure whenever possible.
Manitobans with health concerns can contact their healthcare provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). More information on the health effects of smoke is available on the Manitoba Government’s website.