ACT acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Andrew Pengilley, today alerted Canberrans to the potential for increased smoke around the Territory.
“A number of active bushfires interstate have contributed to a large body of smoke that has recently moved over much of the ACT,” Dr Pengilley said.
“The activity interstate means that smoky conditions may persist over the ACT for next few days”.
Fine smoke particles are known to affect the human breathing system. These particles can cause a variety of health problems, such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis”. “Smoke particles can also aggravate existing lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and some cardiac conditions,” Dr Pengilley said.
“People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke. In particular, people with asthma should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties”.
“If you or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms that may be due to wood smoke exposure, seek medical advice from your local doctor. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or chest pain should seek urgent medical assistance,” Dr Pengilley said.
Information sheets on bushfire and hazard reduction burn smoke can be accessed on the Health Directorate website www.health.act.gov.au. Information on hazard reduction burns undertaken in the ACT can be found on the ACT Emergency Services website www.esa.act.gov.au
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