Wildfire smoke can be a danger to anyone’s health

A haze of smoke continues to loom over the province this week, but it isn’t just annoying — according to Parkland Ambulance’s Lyle Karasiuk, it can also have potential health risks.

“We are seeing those people who have chronic lung condition. Where maybe their family doctors are on holidays, not from our community and visiting at the lake … or they run out of medications — these are those types of people who are suffering because of the dramatic increase in smoke,” said Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert.

“Combine that with the hot weather and if they have no air conditioning, it’s like (a) trifecta of trouble for those types of people.”

Read more:

• Smoky skies, oppressive heat for Sask.
• Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has heatstroke
• Jasper Nat. Park wildfire evacuation long night for Sask. couple

So how can people with chronic lung conditions to stay safe during days with poor air quality?

“If they have medication that’s been prescribed to them by their physician, they can use that as accordingly.

“If they find that it is not working and they need to possibly change or increase the use of it, contact your family physician or your pharmacist … or call 8-1-1,” said Karasiuk.

Even people without chronic lung conditions should still take precautionary efforts to avoid any potential risks from the smoke.

“If you can stay indoors. If you do venture out, wear possibly some sort of a breathing protection, such as an N-95 mask and choose times of the day where the smoke may not be as great, such as earlier in the evening or earlier in the morning. And keep your windows closed if you can,” Karasiuk  told CJME.

For people working outdoors, Karasiuk said the smoke could be an irritant.

“The best protection that they can do is wearing something like an N-95 mask, which will filter out those particulates that are normally what causes the irritation — causing us to cough or feel short of breath.

“If they don’t want to, or can’t wear something like that, taking more frequent breaks to get indoors where there is cleaner air … is certainly advisable,” said Karasiuk.

“We just want to remind folk to be as safe as possible as they enjoy Saskatchewan summer.”

Read more:

• Smoky skies, oppressive heat for Sask.
• Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has heatstroke
• Jasper Nat. Park wildfire evacuation long night for Sask. couple