Health officials warn about air quality from N.S. wildfires
Health officials in the Maritimes are warning people about the dangers of the thick acidic smoke from the wildfires.
“We know there is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke. Everybody has some level of smoke risk, but this is higher for small children, women who are pregnant, the elderly, and people with underlying significant lung or heart conditions,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Nova Scotia.
The warning is not only for people living close to the fires, the winds can carry the smoke far distances.
“So if there is wildfire smoke, and that means when you can see and smell smoke, then the local air quality is being negatively impacted,” said Dr. Strang.
Early mornings or late nights is some of the worst times to be outside, because cooler temperatures keep the smoke closer to the ground.
Burning eyes, sore throat, and runny noses are just some of the symptoms exposure to the smoke can cause.
“Studies over the past 10 years so clearly that particulates in wildfire smoke contain large amounts of so called heavy metals,” said Douglas Mulhall, author of Discovering the Nature of Longevity.
Mulhall says other studies link the smoke to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
“The first thing you can do when you're outside is wear a mask. The same N95 mask people have been wearing for years now. This is a big advantage,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.