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Where wildfire smoke is in Canada and how kids can stay safe
Avoid going outside if air quality is poor, says expert
Some kids across Canada are finding the air hard to breathe as wildfires rage across the country.
By the end of May, Manitoba and Saskatchewan had declared states of emergency, but they're not the only provinces feeling the impact.
Even in areas where the smoke isn't particularly thick, some people may still notice it as the wind carries it far across the landscape.
Let's take a look at where the smoke is right now and how you can stay safe from the fumes.
Wildfire smoke in Canada
Why wildfire smoke is bad
Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto, in Ontario, said that wildfire smoke is a bigger concern than ever.
That's because wildfire seasons in recent years have been longer and more intense than in the past.
Wildfire smoke contains a tiny pollutant called fine particulate matter, which can be harmful to our health, especially if inhaled year after year.
'They not only damage the lungs on the way in, but when they make their way to the bloodstream, they spread to all parts of the body,' Gupta told CBC News.
Smoke can affect areas far away. Here, smoke from Canadian wildfires creates a haze in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, on June 1. (Image credit: John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal/The Associated Press)
He said that this kind of pollution can increase our risk of things like heart attack, asthma and cancer.
But thankfully, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves.
How can I stay safe from the smoke?
Gupta said that those who live close to wildfire activity need to be particularly diligent about protecting themselves from smoke.
Especially during wildfire season, it's important to check online to see what the air quality is like where you live.
If the air quality is bad, Gupta recommends the following:
Avoid the outdoors as much as possible.
Wear a mask — ideally an N95 — if you are outdoors.
Avoid exercise outdoors as exercise causes us to breathe in much more of the smoke.
When indoors, keep windows closed to avoid smoke coming inside.
Ask your parents about investing in an air filter to keep indoor air clean.
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