The smoke coming from Hudson Bay where there are currently uncontrolled forest fires burning in the area caused a haze near Melfort Tuesday. (Rachel May/ northeastNOW staff)

By Rachel May

Air Quality

How to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke

Oct 5, 2021 | 3:30 PM

With Saskatchewan residents facing decreased air quality due to wildfire smoke, two respiratory educators have shared some tips on how to stay safe.

Jill Hubick and Jaimie Peters are both registered nurses and certified respiratory educators with the Lung Association of Saskatchewan. Hubick said its not just high risk groups who can be impacted by the smoke.

“Anyone with lungs can be impacted by wildfire smoke. Certainly there are some groups that are more at risk such as people with lung disease. Its important that everyone takes steps,” Hubick said.

Peters acknowledged it may be difficult to stay inside until the smoke passes but its important to limit strenuous activity.

“Its a bit of a strange time having wildfires in the fall. We aren’t usually used to that with the dry warm weather usually being in the summertime. So, the smoke is really awful throughout the province,” Peters said.

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Both educators said it is very important that residents of Saskatchewan keep checking the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for updates on how the air quality is changing where they are. For example, on Tuesday afternoon in Prince Albert, the AQHI was listed at 10+ or very high risk.

In the meantime, there is a lot residents can do to avoid the negative effects of the smoke.

“Remove yourself from the source as much as possible. When indoors keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut. Avoid exercising outdoors. If we have air conditioning running, put it on a recirculation setting and that includes while we are driving. Of course, not having any backyard fires, that will add to more poor air quality,” Hubick said.

People may have mild symptoms such as irritated eyes, running nose, worsening of allergies or feeling stuffed up.

“An anti-histamine or some eye drops might help but there isn’t a lot of other things. Trying those options might be helpful,” Peters said.

Although mild symptoms are the most common, it is important to watch out for signs of a respiratory emergency which include:

• Sweating
• Struggling to breathe
• In the case of Asthma or COPD, reliever medications aren’t working
• Having to breathe extremely quickly
• Pale or grey coloured skin
• Blue lips or nail beds
• Indrawing (The sucking in of the skin around the breast bone.)

For more information on how to keep yourself safe or regarding lung concerns, you can contact Certified Respiratory Educators by calling their help line at 1-833-385-LUNG (5864) or by visiting their website.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM