2006-07-21
Author: Randell Mauricio
High heat and humidity can indirectly be blamed for the shortages of breath this summer.  

According to Doctor Denis Fortier of the Central RHA rises in temperature lead to the lowering of pollutant particles which can restrict breathing in many.  

While the effects are in no way favorable, Fortier believes Manitobans should be considered lucky, with less vehicles on the road and less environmentally-polluting industries than larger urban centres.  

Fortier notes the heat is often blamed for shortness of breath when it's actually the cause of the lowered layer of pollutants.  

Fortier adds people with pre-existing lung conditions are at high risk of feeling the effects, encouraging symptoms of asthma among other lung diseases.