Latest news with #MelanieLangille
CBC
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfires in West cast smoky — and potentially risky — haze over N.B.
Social Sharing New Brunswickers might have noticed a haze in the sky over the last couple of days. The haze is coming from the other side of the country, where wildfires continue to rage, and it could put some vulnerable people in the province at risk if it gets worse. "The smoke from the Prairies and, you know, Western Canada has been actually detected all the way over in Northern Europe a few days ago," Brian Wiens, the program manager for Canada Wildfire, told Information Morning Fredericton on Thursday. "The smoke continues to pour into the atmosphere, it's getting picked up, and so it's moving, say, from source, to say Fredericton, and probably in the order of two and a half to three days." People would have seen an extremely orange sun at times this week, caused by the layers of cloud and smoke. "It's passing through a bunch of those layers of smoke … and you get, you know, quite a remarkable look," said Wiens, who also has a background in smoke forecasting. WATCH | Some are more vulnerable when air is smoky: Wildfire smoke, even from far away, can decrease air quality. Here's how to protect yourself 3 hours ago Duration 2:22 Wildfire smoke that's made its way from Western Canada to New Brunswick can have an impact on air quality, NB Lung warns. Melanie Langille, the CEO of NB Lung, said wildfire smoke affects everyone to some degree since "there's no safe level of air pollution." But some people are more at risk than others. For example, seniors, infants, pregnant people, young children and people with chronic health conditions are all more at risk, she said. Langille said it's helpful for people to check the air quality health index on Environment Canada to plan their days. The air quality health index provides a number from one to 10 plus, with one to three being low risk, four to six being moderate, seven to 10 being high risk and 10 plus being very high risk. "I'm a very mild asthmatic, but I notice that I have an increase in my symptoms even when the [index] is like three, so I choose not to go outside for a run on those days," Langille said. "When air quality is poor, we recommend that people, as much as possible, stay inside and, you know, try to protect yourself from it or reduce your exposure to it." She said NB Lung also has a large supply of N95 masks that people can request on the group's website in case New Brunswick's air quality gets worse. The most recent Health Canada report from 2024 says that above-background air pollution in 2018, including air pollution from human sources in North America, contributed to 17,400 premature deaths in Canada. The 2021 report put the 2016 estimate at 15,300 premature deaths. Langille finds that a concerning jump.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Free transit offered in New Brunswick Wednesday for Clean Air Day
Transit will be free in New Brunswick's three largest cities Wednesday as part of Clean Air Day. New Brunswick's three largest cities are offering free transit Wednesday to mark Clean Air Day. Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John will offer free public transit all day. Saint John Transit bus A Saint John Transit bus is pictured outside City Hall. (Source: Avery MacRae/CTV News Atlantic) Clean Air Day is an annual event highlighting the importance of air quality and its connection to health, climate, and communities. 'Clean air supports healthy lungs, healthy hearts, and a healthy climate,' said Melanie Langille, president and CEO of NB Lung. 'We're thrilled to see our cities stepping up with free public transit to support both individual well-being and broader environmental goals.' 'Clean Air Day reminds us that we must work together to take care of our planet to mitigate the impacts of climate change for future generations' added Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers. 'The City of Fredericton is thrilled to once again be offering free transit to encourage the community to explore public and active transportation options that reduce emissions and ensure clean air for all.' NB Lung has shipped Clean Air Day event planning kits to libraries across the province as part of the celebrations. They include an event planning guide and items to help raise awareness among children and families about the value of clean air. The association says this year's Clean Air Day comes at a critical time, as smoke from wildfires in western Canada is expected to move through New Brunswick this week. Masks are available to the public year-round through NB Lung's office and its online shop. 'Wildfire smoke affects everyone, but especially children, seniors, and people living with respiratory or heart conditions,' said Langille. 'Clean Air Day is a perfect reminder that we must protect and value clean air, now more than ever.' For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
