Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663
Air quality
5/18/2021 at 7:42 AM
Special air quality statement in place from Environment Canada and Manitoba Health...
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4:36 AM CDT Tuesday 18 May 2021
Special air quality statement in effect for:
City of Brandon
Mun. of Glenboro-South Cypress incl. Treesbank
Mun. of Norfolk Treherne
Mun. of North Cypress-Langford incl. Neepawa and Carberry
Mun. of North Norfolk incl. MacGregor Sidney and Austin
Mun. of Oakland-Wawanesa incl. Carroll
R.M. of Cornwallis west of Shilo incl. Chater
R.M. of Elton incl. Forrest
R.M. of Victoria incl. Holland and Cypress River
Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Smoke is expected or occurring.
Several wildfires are currently burning in southern Manitoba. At this time fires are occurring northeast of Dauphin, near Lake St Martin, near Great Falls, the Whiteshell and near Glenboro. Localized areas of smoke are creating reduced visibilities and poor air quality down wind of fires. Due to the locally 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 local air conditions. In these current conditions, and even in less affected areas, some 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 older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions, such as breathing difficulties or heart problems.
Additional risk groups
- People experiencing a COVID 19 infection may also be more sensitive to the effects of smoke.
- People who work or exercise outdoors (even if they are healthy) and people experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of developing symptoms
For current information on COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/
Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health-Links-Info Santé at204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free)
More information on the health effects of smoke is available at: www.manitoba.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
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