| Tuesday, 5 December 2006
HEALTH ADVICE ON EFFECTS OF BUSHFIRE SMOKE
The Department of Human Services is advising people affected by bushfire smoke to exercise extreme caution when outdoors.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Robert Hall, said people suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases need to take particular care.
“People in these areas should avoid strenuous physical activity wherever possible,” Dr Hall said.
“The effects of smoke on individuals depends on age, pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease and the length of time they are exposed.
“Healthy adults generally find that effects from short exposure to smoke will clear up quickly after the smoke goes away. Signs of smoke irritation include itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose and general coughing.
“Children, the elderly, smokers and people with pre-existing illnesses are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in fine particles. Symptoms may take a while to develop and get worse.
“Finer particles in the smoke are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs and can trigger pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
“It is very important that people with pre-existing health conditions take their medication, follow their treatment plan, and seek immediate medical advice if they become unwell,” Dr Hall said.
Bushfire smoke contains particles of different sizes, water vapour and gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
The larger particles contain burning debris, embers etc, and are visible to the eye. These particles contribute to the visible ‘haze’ when a fire is burning. They are generally too large to be breathed deep into the lungs but can irritate the nose, throat and lungs.
Dr Hall said measures should be taken to reduce heat stress, especially in the very young, people who are unwell, or the elderly.
More detailed information about smoke and heat stress can be found at:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/emergency_mgmnt/index.htm#bushfires
For local updates on fire and smoke conditions listen to your local radio station or watch television. Contact the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. (TTY for the deaf call 1800 555 677, then ask for 1800 240 667).
Media inquiries:
Bram Alexander, Human Services Media Unit, (03) 9096 8803, mobile 0412 260 811
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