Smoke prompts special air quality statement east of Winnipeg

Air quality expert Jed Kaplan explains the concerns over wildfire smoke, who is most at risk and how we can protect ourselves.

Manitobans are being urged to take precautions as wildfire smoke continues to blanket much of the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special air quality statement for a number of areas in the province, including Winnipeg due to wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The majority of the the statements have since ended, but there is still one in place for areas east and southeast of Winnipeg.

“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” the bulletin reads.

People in the province may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and a mild cough. More serious symptoms include severe cough, wheezing or chest pains.

ECCC said people aged 65 or older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who work outdoors and people with chronic health conditions are the ones most likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution and should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.