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Air quality may lead to worsened respiratory symptoms, locals should monitor outdoor activities

May 6, 2016 | 5:00 PM

With smoke making its way into Saskatchewan from the Alberta wildfires there are some things locals should keep in mind when outside.

Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, medical health officer for the Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) said the smoke is something everyone should monitor.

“Especially those with pre-existing heart conditions or respiratory conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma. The very young and those who are elderly are the ones who should particularly monitor those situations because the smoke in the air can worsen the conditions,” Nsungu said. “Even people who are healthy; when the smoke reaches a certain concentration they may experience signs like irritation of the throat or eyes, headaches and sometimes shortness of breath.”

A tip to avoid feeling any smoke symptoms is to reduce strenuous outdoor activities.

“Especially if you have pre-existing conditions, but also if you start noticing the irritable symptoms you should limit strenuous activities,” Nsungu said.

When indoors try to eliminate exposure to outside air, ideally by turning on the air-conditioner instead and closing vents which bring in outdoor air.

Nsungu added people should avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke as it exasperates conditions people may be suffering from.

He recommends those who experience any symptoms to speak to a doctor.

“If by staying indoors and your condition stabilizes or goes away then that should be enough for you. But if you see even staying indoors has not changed the situation or it worsens then I would recommend consulting with your healthcare provider,” Nsungu said.

The last air quality statement from the government’s environment page today, May 6 at 11:30 a.m said westerly winds are spreading smoke from Alberta wildfires into portions of western Saskatchewan today.

It added smoke may produce poor air quality and reduced visibilities in some areas, especially closer to the fire source and near the Alberta border.

Also smoke near the ground is causing high health risk conditions. High levels of particulate matter may persist locally until the fire is extinguished or controlled.

The majority of the smoke is coming from an active wildfire in Fort McMurray, which has evacuated the city of roughly 80,000 and burnt 1,600 structures.

 

cswiderski@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @coltonswiderski