Released 12/04/2019
Due to prescribed burns in the ACT, NSW and Victoria, significant smoke haze is likely to be visible in the coming days and may reduce air quality.
People with asthma and other respiratory conditions, who can be particularly sensitive to outdoor smoke, are being reminded of the simple things they can do to help manage their condition during this period.
We are also reminding Canberrans who suffer from asthma to make sure their treatment and action plans are up-to-date.
People can take the following precautions to help minimise health effects of smoke:
- stay indoors with windows and doors closed,
- stay in air-conditioned premises if possible 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,
- avoid vigorous exercise, especially if you have a heart or lung condition; and
- if you have asthma, have your reliever puffer available.
Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor.
Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their health practitioner, and anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical assistance. In the event of a medical emergency call 000.
The ACT Health Directorate will continue to monitor air quality over the weekend and will advise the community if additional public health advice is needed.
For further information on managing your health during smoky conditions, visit our Outdoor Smoke – Health Impacts fact sheet available on the ACT Health website.
For more information about prescribed burns visit www.environment.act.gov.au and for information on weather conditions in the ACT visit www.bom.gov.au/act/index.shtml
- Statement ends -
ACT Health Directorate | Media Releases
«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases