Murray Wood: Who's hot and who's not
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As many wildfires in Saskatchewan continue to burn, the smoke can pose health risks for those breathing it in.
Dr. Simon Kapaj, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said that over the past few weeks smoke has been a concern in many northern communities, and the smoke can drift thousands of kilometers away from the fires that produce it.
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He said health effects from wildfire smoke can range in severity. Mild symptoms can include a headache and a mild cough, along with irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. Overall, he said the milder symptoms don’t require any medical intervention.
Kapaj said serious symptoms are less common, but they can include dizziness, wheezing, a severe cough or chest pain and shortness of breath. Such symptoms may require a consultation with a medical professional, he added.
Individuals with underlying health issues such as asthma, diabetes, and lung conditions are at a higher risk to be affected by wildfire smoke, the doctor added.
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there are currently 87 wildfires burning around the province. (Buckland Fire and Rescue/Facebook)
Kapaj urged anyone living in areas affected by wildfire smoke to pay attention to air quality advisories and move outdoor activities inside when the smoke is heavy.
To help reduce indoor exposure, Kapaj advised residents to keep their doors and windows closed when the smoke gets thick, and ensure ventilation is good within the home.
He said portable air cleaners can also help filter out the small particles in smoke.
“Make sure that you know your health, you know your body,” Kapaj added.
“Avoiding two or three hours of outdoor activity for (a) particular time might be more helpful, especially for individuals that are at high risk, like seniors, children (and) individuals with chronic medical conditions.”
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there are currently 87 wildfires burning around the province. So far this season, Saskatchewan has seen 460 wildfires, which is well ahead of the five-year average of 359. A dozen communities in the province are currently under evacuation orders.
