It’s National Lung Month and the Manitoba Lung Association is encouraging those who wish to quit smoking to take the next step to let go of the habit.

 

President and CEO Neil Johnston says about one-in-five Manitobans live with some sort of lung issue, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking is one of the leading causes.

 

However, smoking isn’t the only cause of lung disease, as air quality also plays a major factor.

 

"Both indoor and outdoor air can have small particles. Right now, we’re thinking about Covid and the particles that are associated with the Covid Virus which, of course, causes respiratory illness.

 

But there is also dust and other particles and chemicals that can penetrate deeply into the lungs so it’s important to be aware of how clear the air is in your area that you happen to be.  There are ways of filtering the air and protecting yourself wearing a mask and things like that when you expect to be in a dusty or dirty environment.

 

So protecting yourself from dust and aerosols that’s important to be aware of."

 

Johnston encourages people looking to quit smoking to reach out to the Manitoba Lung Association for resources to help them out or to speak with a tobacco program educator.

 

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on National Lung Month.