A familiar smoky haze has settled over southeastern Saskatchewan this week, prompting the issuance of a special air quality statement by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The smoke, which blew in on Thursday and is expected to linger until Saturday morning, has created conditions that also make it essential to take precautions.
In an interview conducted last year, Dr. Stanley Enebeli, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, stressed that caution is required by all.
"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health," Dr. Enebeli stated. He did, however, point to those who face a greater threat from the airborne pollutants. These include seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, as well as individuals with chronic health conditions, particularly lung diseases like COPD and asthma or existing heart conditions. People who work outdoors or engage in strenuous exercise outside are also in a higher-risk category.
To stay safe, residents are urged to take preventative measures to reduce their exposure. These measures include sealing your home from the outside air by closing all windows and doors, including those leading to an attached garage. If you have an air conditioner, it should be used to recirculate indoor air, ensuring the fresh air intake is closed and the filter is clean. For those with room air cleaners or purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, now is the time to turn them on.
Dr. Enebeli also advised against any activities that can add more smoke to the environment. Residents should avoid using wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, or backyard fire pits. He also notes that this is not a good time to smoke tobacco, as it puts added stress on your lungs and impacts those around you. To further reduce the inhalation of harmful particles, physical activity should be limited, especially outdoors. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help keep the nose and mouth moist.
"Let's be sure to keep an eye out and check on people in our neighbourhood around our care and those who may be more susceptible to smoke," Dr. Enebeli urged.
Residents should watch for any irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, increased mucus production, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, especially during exercise. Should any of these symptoms develop, Dr. Enebeli advises not to hesitate.
"I do encourage you to call HealthLine at 811 to speak to one of our registered nurses," he said, adding that contacting your primary healthcare provider is also an option.