Air pollution from wildfires a serious health threat, says head of NB Lung

07-Aug-2025

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People with chronic lung conditions and diseases should take their symptoms seriously when there are air quality alerts like the one issued for northern New Brunswick on August 3 , according to a group promoting lung health in the province. 

Environment Canada issued the alert because of smoke drifting across the country from wildfires in the Prairies.

"If you are living with a lung or heart condition, you want to be watching and monitoring yourself and if you experience a flare up of your symptoms, don't ignore it because it's a legitimate thing," said Melanie Langille, CEO of NB Lung. 

"You want to be reaching out to health professionals if you do have trouble breathing or if you feel some pressure in your chest. This can be a serious issue, so it's not all in your head. It could definitely be triggered by the pollution in the air."

Langille said people with serious lung conditions aren't the only ones who should be concerned. Seniors, young children, pregnant women or people who work outdoors or do strenuous activities can also be affected by poor air quality.