Released 09/12/2019
The health advice for today remains the same as the advice provided over the weekend regarding the smoke haze across Canberra. Please refer to ACT Health’s fact sheet on the health impacts of outdoor smoke, fact sheet. ACT Health is monitoring the air quality and will advise the public if there are any changes to this advice when needed.
For now, due to the poor air quality, all Canberrans should avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity outside when there is smoke around.
Anyone who is sensitive to the effects of smoke and air pollution should take measures to reduce their exposure. This includes people with chronic heart or lung conditions, children 14 years or younger, pregnant women and people over 65 years should avoid all physical activity outside.
Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan. Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their doctor. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical attention and in the event of a medical emergency call triple-zero (000).
People can take the following precautions to help minimise the effects of smoke and air pollution:
- Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed;
- Stay in air-conditioned premises and switch the air-conditioner to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ to reduce the amount of smoke entering the building;
- Visit a local air-conditioned building such as a library, community centre or shopping centre; and
- Check on elderly neighbours or other people who you think might need extra help.
ACT Health will continue to monitor the air quality in the ACT and will advise the public of additional public health advice when needed and as information becomes available.
For further information on weather conditions, visit: www.bom.gov.au
- Statement ends -
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