Chatham Health Department offers safety tips regarding wildfire smoke

Posted Sunday, June 15, 2008

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Chatham County, NC - The NC Division of Air Quality had issued a Code Red warning for the Triangle area through Friday morning. Code Red means that air quality is generally unhealthy. The Chatham County Public Health Department offers advice to citizens that may be impacted by wildfire smoke.

The Pocosin Lakes wildfire has grown to more than 30,000 acres and continues to spread to the northeast. Smoke from the fire had impacted much of southern Tyrrell County, northern Hyde County, and a large portion of Dare County however, the wind has shifted and more western counties are also directly impacted.

Smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause scratchy throat, irritated eyes and nose, and can worsen conditions such as asthma, other chronic lung conditions, angina or heart disease. Pregnant women, children, elderly people, smokers, and people who work or exercise outdoors are also at higher risk from smoke exposure.

Some signs of unhealthy smoke levels that may indicate the need to move to a safer area include greatly reduced visibility or haze, coughing, strong odors, burning or watering eyes. If you continue to smell smoke and experience these symptoms when indoors, consider evacuating to another location, away from the fire and smoke.

How to Protect Your Family from the Health Effects of Smoke:

Pay attention to local weather reports. Weather changes can rapidly increase smoke levels in your area. If it looks smoky outside, stay indoors and run the air conditioner, if you have one. Reduce physical activity to lower the amount of air pollutants inhaled. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. When smoke levels are high, keep indoor air clean by not smoking, vacuuming, or using anything that burns, such as gas stoves or candles!

Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

If you have asthma, other lung or heart disease, follow your doctor's advice about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If you have heart or lung disease, are an older adult, or have small children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.

For more health related information, contact the Chatham County Health Department at 919-542-8220. For questions related to air quality, contact Tom Mather, Public Information Officer for the Division of Air Quality, at (919) 218-0441 or visit the DAQ Web site at www.ncair.org