01 December 2006

Health advisory on bushfire smoke

NSW Health advises people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma to stay indoors during the current high level of smoke pollution caused by bushfires.

"People with respiratory conditions need to closely monitor their symptoms as exposure to smoke pollution can affect people with lung disease for many days after smoke is inhaled," said Senior Environmental Health Policy Officer Dr Vicky Sheppeard.

"Asthma sufferers and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need to follow their action plans. If symptoms get worse, sufferers need to seek medical advice.

"People with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions should not engage in vigorous exercise and if possible should stay in air-conditioned premises, where filtration systems can help to reduce smoke particles in the air.

"Keep houses closed as much as possible when there is heavy smoke around.

"Other difficulties associated with bushfire smoke pollution may include eye and throat irritation," Dr Sheppeard said.

A fact sheet on bushfire smoke is available from the NSW Health air pollution health alerts web page at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/environment/air/index.asp.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au