4:52 PM CDT Sunday 07 July 2019
Special air quality statement in effect for:
- Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
- R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
- R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
- R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
- R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
- R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
- R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
- R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
Smoke from forest fires over eastern Manitoba and northwestern
Ontario continues to linger over eastern portions of the province.
Southerly winds have however redirected the smoke away from the western
Red River valley and Winnipeg and brought an improvement in air quality
to these regions.
The air quality is expected to improve this
evening and overnight over southeastern Manitoba as the southerly winds
continue to push the smoke to the north. Communities closer to the fires
and Ontario border, such as Little Grand Rapids and Bissett, may still
experience poor air quality through tonight and into Monday.
These
same winds will begin to push the smoke into northeastern Manitoba
tonight. This smoke will linger through the day Monday and likely into
Monday night.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing,
throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors,
and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are
especially at risk.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and
COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will
generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels.
Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication
use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
Due
to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the
above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns
that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current
conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears,
coughing and a runny nose.
In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, Manitobans are encouraged to:
-
limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing
becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
- turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
- keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials
People
at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and
people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and
therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.
Manitobans
with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care
provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free
at 1-888-315-9257. More information on the health effects of smoke is
available at
www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.
If
you or those in your care are exposed to wildfire smoke, consider
taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Wildfire smoke is a
constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many
chemicals that can harm your health. For more details, please consult
www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.
Visit
www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and
your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current
and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
Issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health
