Saskatoon Weather: Environment Canada Says Smoke Poses Major Health Risk

According to Environment Canada, smoke from the wildfires caused poor air quality and limited visibility in many parts of Saskatchewan on Monday.

On Monday morning, Saskatoon’s air quality index reached 10, which is considered a “high risk” to health, while Regina was considered “very high risk” as the index exceeded 10.

According to Environment Canada, health risks increase as smoke levels rise.

Jaimie Peters, a registered nurse at Lung Saskatchewan, advises anyone at risk to stay indoors and take extra precautions.

“We want to make sure that people with lung disease have their medications on hand, take them and use their rescue medications when needed,” she said.

Peters advises checking the air quality before going outside and avoiding smoke as much as possible.

“We want to stay away from the smoke as much as possible, right? Of course, that means staying indoors and making sure that anything that brings air into your home is closed, like windows or vents,” she said.

Some people in the Saskatoon area say they are sensitive to the smoke.

“Now that I’m outside I definitely notice it, I feel it in my eyes,” said Karla Polsfut.

“I have severe asthma, so I notice it most in my chest, in my sore throat, and also with all the allergies,” said Kelly Weimer.

Others said they were not bothered by it.

“It’s not bad at all today, it seems good,” said Claire Wandler.

According to Environment Canada, smoke levels are expected to diminish by Monday evening, with low to moderate smoke levels expected for Tuesday.