19 Nov 2019
The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising people to take action to protect their health while bushfire smoke continues to affect air quality across the region.
Fine smoke particles are known to affect the human breathing system. The smaller or finer the particles, the deeper they go into the lungs. Bushfire smoke can affect all people and generally causes mild irritation such as itchy or burning eyes, coughing and a runny nose. These symptoms generally disappear in usually healthy people once the smoke disappears.
If your staff members or students have existing heart conditions or lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, it is important that they have their medications handy at all times. Symptoms can occur for several days after this smoke is inhaled, so anyone with the above conditions needs to be vigilant with their treatment programs.
It is very important to seek immediate medical assistance if staff or students do not respond to their usual medications. In case of emergency always remember to dial triple zero.
The following precautions may help to minimise the adverse effects of the smoke:
• If students have prescribed medications, the medications should be kept near to them.
• During visibly smoky days, it is better for children and staff to stay indoors. Close all windows and doors, and if needed, use an air conditioner set on the recycle air setting.
• Avoid student participation in vigorous activities and try to avoid these activities completely when it is visibly smoky, especially children with asthma, lung conditions or heart conditions.
• Consider postponing outdoor events such as athletic carnivals or sports days when it is visibly smoky.
