As wildfire smoke continues to blanket parts of southern Manitoba, health experts are urging residents to take extra steps to protect their lungs and overall well-being.
Juliette Mucha, President and CEO of the Manitoba Lung Association, says the situation has persisted for over a week.
“The winds are bringing it in, smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres,” she says. “We’ve had Air Quality Health Index days of 10-plus, which is very serious.”
Mucha adds that the health impacts can start small but become more serious with prolonged exposure.
“People might notice their eyes watering or feel tightness in the chest,” she continues. “Those are short-term effects, but over time it can lead to very serious lung conditions.”
Air quality health warnings issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health echo that concern.
A special statement released Monday notes that “smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” and that those with chronic conditions, older adults, infants, and people who work outdoors should reduce or reschedule strenuous activity when smoke levels are high.
Simple precautions can help
Mucha recommends checking the air quality before heading outside.
“Go to the Manitoba Lung Association’s website and check what is the Air Quality Health Index in your community,” she says. “It helps if you know how to take precautions.”
When smoke is present, people are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, drink plenty of water, and avoid activities that could pollute the air inside.
“Make sure you’re well hydrated, limit your time outdoors if possible, and wear a well-fitted N95 mask if you need to be outside,” Mucha adds.
Even for those who still choose to attend outdoor events, Mucha encourages finding ways to take breaks.
“Give your lungs a rest,” she says. “Go to an indoor facility, or if you’re in your car, turn on the air conditioning and press the recirculate mode.”
Children and youth at greater risk
The long-term impacts of wildfire smoke are especially concerning for children.
“Your lungs keep growing until your early 20s,” Mucha notes. “If we hinder that with effects like wildfire smoke, we could see some serious consequences as they grow older.”
She also points out new research that compares long-term exposure to wildfire smoke with the effects of smoking cigarettes.
“If we’ve made a conscious decision not to smoke, let’s not do this to ourselves through the environment,” she remarks.
Smoke starting earlier
This year’s wildfire smoke arrived much earlier than usual, raising new concerns for long-term health impacts.
“We would never normally see forest smoke be such a problem in the advisories in May, and now being in July, we’re seeing this now,” notes Mucha.
She adds that early and persistent smoke exposure is a growing concern, especially as wildfire seasons become more intense year after year.
Stay informed and check on others
Residents are encouraged to check in on friends, neighbours, or family members who might be more vulnerable to smoke exposure.
“We want to enjoy our beautiful summers in Manitoba,” Mucha says. “So how can we enjoy that, but be cautious at the same time?”
To view the current Air Quality Health Index or find tips on staying safe, visit airhealth.ca or mb.lung.ca.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.