Jason Emiry
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 08, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Some Yellowknifers were feeling defenceless last week against the smoke from forest fires blanketing the city.

Haze made it difficult to see clearly while added humidity and muggy weather caused Yellowknifers to sleep poorly and feel unrested.

An NWT Health and Social Services health advisory published on May 2 makes several recommendations to keep healthy in smoky conditions.

Stay inside when possible, the advisory recommends, with windows and doors closed. Use room air cleaners with HEPA filters if you have them. While driving, keep windows closed so no smoke is sucked inside the car.

Go to a doctor if you experience chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. Try not to work or exercise outside. Limit the time children play outside. Sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose are some effects of smoky air. More serious lung problems can result from longer exposure, according to the advisory. The smallest particles in smoke are the most dangerous to health. These can go deep into the lungs, trigger coughing and make it harder to breathe. Smoke exposure can also cause worsening of heart and lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and congestive heart failure.

Hospitals have not seen an increase in the number of patients. "We've seen no additional activity because of the smoke," said Robin Greig of the Stanton Territorial Health Authority.

Some seniors in the community were feeling the effects of the air quality.

"A few of them have mentioned it," Vivian Squires of the Yellowknife Seniors Society said last week as smoky conditions reached their peak. "It definitely isn't good. They are staying inside more."

"It wouldn't be so bad if it was just the smoke, but (like) anybody that lives here in the court we have the problem with the blasting," said Sandra Taylor, former president of the Yellowknife Senior's Society, referring to local construction activity near her seniors' residence. Smoke didn't appear to be slowing kids down. "We haven't seen any real change in the kids," said June Lewis, a pre-school teacher with Yellowknife Day Care.

"They are still running around as normal," added Gayla Debastien, another pre-school teacher at the day care. "They smell the smoke and ask where it's coming from, but it hasn't slowed them down."