Released on May 6, 2016
Health officials are advising people to take precautions as smoke from forest fires is spreading across Saskatchewan, resulting in poor air quality. People with lung and heart conditions, older adults and seniors are particularly at risk.“Smoke can cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath,” Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you get worse, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.”
People with heart or lung conditions (such as asthma) should consider remaining indoors if they can see a haze or smoke, especially if they can smell or taste the smoke. Healthy people typically don’t experience symptoms but should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoors activities if smoke levels are high.
Everyone is encouraged to adapt their activities as necessary if air quality continues to deteriorate. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping your windows closed. Residents can check current air quality conditions at www.environment.gov.sk.ca/airqualityindex for areas of Saskatchewan and at www.sesaa.ca for southern Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan’s air quality index can be accessed at https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/sk_e.html. For air zones see www.wyamz.ca and www.gpaz.org.
Wildfire smoke forecasts for western Canada are available at www.bcairquality.ca/bluesky/west/index.html. The Air Quality Health Index of Saskatchewan’s major centres can be accessed at www.airhealth.ca.
For health concerns related to air quality, visit HealthLine Online at www.healthlineonline.ca. For advice on symptoms and precautions, call HealthLine at 811.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca