City News Winnipeg: Wildfires causing high risk air quality in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba

If you’ve walked outside in Winnipeg lately, you’ve probably noticed there’s a smell of smoke in the air.

The Government of Canada continues to issue a high-risk alert for several parts of the province.

And while it might not seem like a big issue to some, for those with respiratory diseases like asthma, the impact can be serious.

“In times of really bad air quality, like earlier today and this week, you’ll typically have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. If you have underlying lung disease like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or what we call emphysema, you’ll possibly have worsening of your symptoms,” said Chris Pascoe, an associate professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Pascoe says that short-term impacts aren’t the only thing to worry about.

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