With wildfires continuing to burn, even communities, like Winnipeg, located far away are experiencing their effects. Recent cool and damp weather has improved air quality. However, it is the beginning of summer, and with several days in Winnipeg already experiencing incredibly smokey days, forcing people to wear masks to protect themselves from the choking air.
“Even healthy people are going to be at risk when, when the air quality is that poor, it’s going to cause things like coughing, shortness of breath, you know, throat irritation,” says Adam Anderson, Government Relations and Policy Analyst with the Manitoba Lung Association.
He says smoke has immediate risks, but prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can have lasting effects on health. “Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter. The smoke itself is, is, already a health risk? But because these fires are so large, you don’t necessarily know what materials are being burnt in them. It could be trees, it could be standing structures, stuff like that. So you don’t really know what’s in what’s in that smoke?”
People with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or severe allergies are especially vulnerable. Other high-risk groups include children, seniors, pregnant people, and those working outdoors. Exposure can trigger or exacerbate existing symptoms and even lead to more severe outcomes. Lung cancer is a risk, says Anderson, as particulate matter could be carcinogenic.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a fundamental tool used to assess the risk of air pollution. It ranges from 1 (low risk) to 10+ (very high risk), with corresponding health guidance:
- 1–3 (Low Risk): Safe for most; no need to modify outdoor plans.
- 4–6 (Moderate Risk): At-risk populations should consider limiting outdoor activity.
- 7–10+ (High to Very High Risk): Everyone should reduce or avoid outdoor exertion. Masking with N95 respirators is recommended for those who must go outside.
“When the index climbs past 7, that’s when people can physically see the haze and smell smoke,” says Anderson. “Those are the days when it’s best to stay inside and avoid any unnecessary time outdoors.”
To reduce exposure indoors, Anderson recommends several key strategies:
- Keep doors and windows closed during poor air quality days.
- Run air conditioners in recirculation mode to prevent outdoor air from entering.
- Avoid using fans that pull in air from outside.
- Invest in an air purifier, ideally with a HEPA filter.
For households that cannot afford commercial air purifiers, DIY options are available. “The BC CDC (BC Centre for Disease Control) has a great tutorial on building your own using a box fan and two MERV-13 filters,” Anderson says. “It’s not a substitute for a good commercial grade HEPA filter, but it’s at least something that you can use to create a clean air space in your home.”
Creating a designated clean air room in your home, typically a small, sealed-off bedroom or living area, is a practical way to maintain a safe space during smoke events.
The Manitoba Lung Association has partnered with local libraries to deploy PurpleAir sensors, offering real-time, local air quality data. These devices supplement data from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s AQHI monitoring stations, which are available via the Manitoba Lung Association’s website.
“ If you wake up, it’s looking hazy, you know, you’re smelling of the smoke and you’re wondering, hey, is today a today a day I should be worried about it? They can always check out that information at mb.lung.ca.”
As the wildfire season continues, Anderson says he encourages everyone to reduce their risks by being prepared and being informed.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
