Demand for respirators, sprinklers on the rise in Manitoba as wildfires worsen air quality
As wildfires are ravaging the province, they are also impacting the air Manitobans breathe, and some are looking for ways to protect themselves.
Ian Birchall, a sales representative at ABC Fire and Safety Equipment Ltd., which sells fire, safety and first aid products in Winnipeg, says demand for their respirators has increased significantly since the wildfire season began in earnest earlier this month.
"We've sold pretty much out of all of our wildland [fire] equipment just due to the nature of the fires that are going on here in Manitoba. It's a very scary situation for our residents in Manitoba," he said.
Items like respirators have been in high demand, he said.
"Especially with the smoke that is going on in the province when they are in the smoke-filled areas like Lac du Bonnet or up north in Lynn Lake, they are using that quite a bit right now," says Birchall showing a range of masks in his shop.
Birchall says people are not just worried about their health, but also their property, leading to increased demand for fire suppression equipment, sprinkler kits and hoses.
"We have been seeing a lot of cabin owners coming and purchasing the Wildfire Protection Kit, which is otherwise usually used by fire departments," he said.
That kit is a sprinkler system, with equipment that can be mounted on a cabin's gable and eavestrough, to provide "360 degrees of protection around your property," he said.
"Usually every year the residents will stock up on PPE [personal protective equipment] for wildland fires for protection," said Birchall.
"This year has obviously been an exception because it's been very dry in the province. So we have noticed a significant increase in our sales with this equipment."
Birchall says he's been getting a lot of inquiries from cabin owners from the Bird River area, where a still out-of-control wildfire now covers more than 124,000 hectares, according to the province's latest fire report.
The fire near Lac du Bonnet, meanwhile, is now considered under control. That fire became deadly earlier this month, taking the lives of a couple who reportedly got trapped at a family home.
Smoke from wildfires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in parts of Manitoba, prompting air quality alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Environment Canada meteorologist Justin Shelley says a lot of the northern portion of the province is under special air quality state statements, while an area in the southeast, from the Ontario border to Lake Winnipeg, is under air quality warnings.
Shelly urges people to check the air quality index before heading outdoors.
On Tuesday, the index was four in Winnipeg, indicating moderate risk, while it was 10+ in Flin Flon, indicating very high risk.
When the air quality is at its worst, people should take precautions and limit outdoor exposure, said Shelly.
"Consider reducing or rescheduling any strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like a cough or dizziness or nausea," he said.
"And you also want to monitor those who might be more at risk, so especially maybe elderly people or … younger people."
Warm and dry conditions are expected through this week, which will cause smoke to linger, Shelly said.
WATCH | Smoke raises health concerns in Manitoba:
Health experts also warn wildfire smoke can create health risks in both the short and long term. Christopher Pascoe, an associate professor in the University of Manitoba's physiology and pathophysiology department, says short-term effects may include breathlessness.
"So difficulty breathing, catching your breath and you may notice that you cough more, have more mucus. If you're somebody who has lung disease, asthma, COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], you may find that you need to use your medication more and that it's not as effective."
He adds people often report needing to go to the hospital more frequently to deal with conditions like asthma or COPD during periods of poor air quality.
The potential long-term effects of poor air quality can include worsening of conditions and lung disease, he said.
"That long-term exposure is related to these health complications like asthma, exacerbation of other diseases," said Pascoe.
"The biggest pollutant that we worry about at this point is something called particulate matter," he said. "That's the smoke or the ash in the air. And so when you see outside … it's hazy, you kind of want to stay inside, being a well-ventilated space."
When it comes to protection, he says for people who have allergies or asthma, or are prone to health risks, "the best thing to do is limit your time outside and wearing a well-fitting N95 mask to limit your exposure."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Calgary sees lots of rain but no major flooding
A city official said 75 millimetres of rain fell on Calgary by Saturday afternoon. Environment and Climate Change Canada called for possibly up to 100 millimetres of rain by early Sunday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Toronto, southern Ontario and parts of Quebec under heat warning: What to know about weather alerts and how extreme heat impacts the body
Toronto, the rest of southern Ontario and parts of Quebec are currently under a heat warning from Environment Canada. According to weather alerts released on Saturday morning, heat and humidity are coming this weekend — and, in some cases, it could pose serious threats. "Dangerously hot and humid conditions will begin Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into the week," Environment Canada warned for the Greater Toronto Area and much of southwestern Ontario. That could look like daytime highs of 31°C to 36°C, with humidex values of 40 to 45. Other parts of Ontario and areas of Quebec south of Montreal are under similar heat warnings expected to begin this weekend. Conditions are expected to last until Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Environment Canada has different threshold criteria for different regions of each province and territory that must be met to issue weather alerts for heat. Heat warnings are typically issued when daytime temperatures reach a minimum set point for two or more consecutive days. For example, in southern Ontario, a heat warning is issued when daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days and "nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 20°C or warmer." Alternatively, a heat warning can be issued for the same area when humidex values are expected to reach 40°C or higher for two or more days. But just because a heat warning isn't in effect doesn't mean the temperatures don't pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions and unhoused populations. Temperatures can still be dangerously high — they just don't meet Environment Canada's criteria for a weather alert. Extreme heat can impact different parts of our bodies in different ways, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Keep reading to learn more. As temperatures increase, the body has to work overtime to try and get rid of extra heat. According to an article in Harvard Health Publishing, on a hot and humid day, the heart may circulate two to four times as much blood each minute to try and shed excess body heat. The extra stress on the heart can increase the chances of heart failure, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks — especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. If you have damage from a heart attack or narrowed arteries due to cholesterol, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to help cool you down. Additionally, medications like beta-blockers can "interfere with heat regulation" by limiting the heart's ability to pump blood fast enough. Heat, humidity, air pollution and smog are a dangerous combination for anyone, but especially for people with compromised respiratory systems. According to the Canadian Lung Association, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are encouraged to seek out spaces with clean air and air conditioning on hot and humid days. Staying inside with air filters or in smoke-free, scent-free public spaces like shopping malls, can help prevent irritants triggering an asthma attack or worsening COPD symptoms. Because people with COPD already utilize extra energy to breathe, their bodies now have to work overtime to not only breathe, but regulate body temperature. What's more, extreme changes in weather can trigger bronchospasms, a narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult for people with COPD to breathe. In an interview with Bayhealth, Dr. Michael Samaha recommended staying inside as much as possible to avoid compromising your breathing. However, if you do have to go outside, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from air pollutants. "Not everyone is affected the same way," Samaha said. "It can depend on the severity of [the] disease or the air quality. That's why the best course of action is to avoid going outside if you can." During a heatwave, our entire body is working overtime to keep us cool, including our kidneys. For people with chronic kidney disease, sweating and dehydration can put pressure on the kidneys and compromise their function. If your kidneys are damaged enough, this could cause kidney failure. A 2017 review found that kidney-related deaths increase by 30 per cent during periods of extreme heat. According to the U.S. National Kidney Foundation, staying hydrated and keeping your body temperature below 40°C (104°F) is crucial to avoiding heat-related illnesses. Avoid drinking liquids or alcohol that could act as a diuretic and be sure to relocate to areas with air conditioning or, at the very least, an electric fan. Heatstroke or heat exhaustion can manifest itself in different ways. People who may be experiencing heat-related illnesses may seem confused or disoriented. Studies have found that heat stress reduces blood flow to the brain which can impact our judgement and decision making and put ourselves at risk of injury. Extreme temperatures and humidity also cause disruptions in sleep patterns — which can take a toll on mental health, and increase irritability, symptoms of depression and may cause some people to become aggressive. People with existing mental health issues are also considered vulnerable during heat waves. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the Lancet noted that heatwaves have been linked to an increase in hospital admissions for mental health-related emergencies and an increase in suicides. People with diabetes have to be diligent when it comes to monitoring their diabetes, especially during a heat event. Glucose levels can be impacted by heat stress and people with diabetes may have a compromised ability to get rid of excess body heat. People with diabetes face serious health risks during extreme heat. A 2016 report found that people with type 2 diabetes, specifically, have a 56 per cent greater chance of death or requiring hospitalization during a heatwave. In an effort to stay healthy, people with diabetes who spend time outside are encouraged to store their test strips and insulin in cooler bags to prevent heat damage. Along with staying hydrated, it's a good idea to increase the number of glucose checks per day to ensure their blood sugar levels are within a healthy range. It's important to have a plan in place to everyone stays safe when temperatures and humidex values skyrocket. Avoid spending time outside Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible Visit public air-conditioned spaces like shopping malls, local libraries and civic centres to stay cool Drink water; Avoid drinks that could act as a diuretic Take cool showers Cool yourself with a cold towel or spray bottle Use electric fans to get air circulating in non-air-conditioned spaces Check in with elderly friends and family members or anyone vulnerable during heatwaves
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Toronto, southern Ontario and parts of Quebec under heat warning: What to know about weather alerts and how extreme heat impacts the body
Toronto, the rest of southern Ontario and parts of Quebec are currently under a heat warning from Environment Canada. According to weather alerts released on Saturday morning, heat and humidity are coming this weekend — and, in some cases, it could pose serious threats. "Dangerously hot and humid conditions will begin Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into the week," Environment Canada warned for the Greater Toronto Area and much of southwestern Ontario. That could look like daytime highs of 31°C to 36°C, with humidex values of 40 to 45. Other parts of Ontario and areas of Quebec south of Montreal are under similar heat warnings expected to begin this weekend. Conditions are expected to last until Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Environment Canada has different threshold criteria for different regions of each province and territory that must be met to issue weather alerts for heat. Heat warnings are typically issued when daytime temperatures reach a minimum set point for two or more consecutive days. For example, in southern Ontario, a heat warning is issued when daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days and "nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 20°C or warmer." Alternatively, a heat warning can be issued for the same area when humidex values are expected to reach 40°C or higher for two or more days. But just because a heat warning isn't in effect doesn't mean the temperatures don't pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions and unhoused populations. Temperatures can still be dangerously high — they just don't meet Environment Canada's criteria for a weather alert. Extreme heat can impact different parts of our bodies in different ways, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Keep reading to learn more. As temperatures increase, the body has to work overtime to try and get rid of extra heat. According to an article in Harvard Health Publishing, on a hot and humid day, the heart may circulate two to four times as much blood each minute to try and shed excess body heat. The extra stress on the heart can increase the chances of heart failure, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks — especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. If you have damage from a heart attack or narrowed arteries due to cholesterol, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to help cool you down. Additionally, medications like beta-blockers can "interfere with heat regulation" by limiting the heart's ability to pump blood fast enough. Heat, humidity, air pollution and smog are a dangerous combination for anyone, but especially for people with compromised respiratory systems. According to the Canadian Lung Association, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are encouraged to seek out spaces with clean air and air conditioning on hot and humid days. Staying inside with air filters or in smoke-free, scent-free public spaces like shopping malls, can help prevent irritants triggering an asthma attack or worsening COPD symptoms. Because people with COPD already utilize extra energy to breathe, their bodies now have to work overtime to not only breathe, but regulate body temperature. What's more, extreme changes in weather can trigger bronchospasms, a narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult for people with COPD to breathe. In an interview with Bayhealth, Dr. Michael Samaha recommended staying inside as much as possible to avoid compromising your breathing. However, if you do have to go outside, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from air pollutants. "Not everyone is affected the same way," Samaha said. "It can depend on the severity of [the] disease or the air quality. That's why the best course of action is to avoid going outside if you can." During a heatwave, our entire body is working overtime to keep us cool, including our kidneys. For people with chronic kidney disease, sweating and dehydration can put pressure on the kidneys and compromise their function. If your kidneys are damaged enough, this could cause kidney failure. A 2017 review found that kidney-related deaths increase by 30 per cent during periods of extreme heat. According to the U.S. National Kidney Foundation, staying hydrated and keeping your body temperature below 40°C (104°F) is crucial to avoiding heat-related illnesses. Avoid drinking liquids or alcohol that could act as a diuretic and be sure to relocate to areas with air conditioning or, at the very least, an electric fan. Heatstroke or heat exhaustion can manifest itself in different ways. People who may be experiencing heat-related illnesses may seem confused or disoriented. Studies have found that heat stress reduces blood flow to the brain which can impact our judgement and decision making and put ourselves at risk of injury. Extreme temperatures and humidity also cause disruptions in sleep patterns — which can take a toll on mental health, and increase irritability, symptoms of depression and may cause some people to become aggressive. People with existing mental health issues are also considered vulnerable during heat waves. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the Lancet noted that heatwaves have been linked to an increase in hospital admissions for mental health-related emergencies and an increase in suicides. People with diabetes have to be diligent when it comes to monitoring their diabetes, especially during a heat event. Glucose levels can be impacted by heat stress and people with diabetes may have a compromised ability to get rid of excess body heat. People with diabetes face serious health risks during extreme heat. A 2016 report found that people with type 2 diabetes, specifically, have a 56 per cent greater chance of death or requiring hospitalization during a heatwave. In an effort to stay healthy, people with diabetes who spend time outside are encouraged to store their test strips and insulin in cooler bags to prevent heat damage. Along with staying hydrated, it's a good idea to increase the number of glucose checks per day to ensure their blood sugar levels are within a healthy range. It's important to have a plan in place to everyone stays safe when temperatures and humidex values skyrocket. Avoid spending time outside Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible Visit public air-conditioned spaces like shopping malls, local libraries and civic centres to stay cool Drink water; Avoid drinks that could act as a diuretic Take cool showers Cool yourself with a cold towel or spray bottle Use electric fans to get air circulating in non-air-conditioned spaces Check in with elderly friends and family members or anyone vulnerable during heatwaves
