November 11, 2019
The smoke from so many bushfires in southern Queensland has prompted an alert from Queensland Health.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said the recent fires had led to very poor air quality in some areas.
Queensland Health recommends that people living in affected communities take the following actions:
- Remain indoors and close all windows and doors and operate air-conditioners if available.
- Switch air-conditioners to “recycle” or “recirculate” mode.
- If you do not have an air conditioner, take steps to reduce heat stress, especially for the very young, people who are unwell, or the elderly.
- People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions should rest as much as possible and keep away from the smoke.
- People with asthma should follow their personal asthma plan.
- Anyone with a heart or lung condition should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor and keep at least five days’ supply of medication on hand.
- Avoid physical activity outdoors; this includes outdoor workplace activities (exertion allows more fine particles to be breathed deeper into the lungs).
- Schools and childcare centres should stop outdoor activities and children should stay indoors in areas with air-conditioning and/or ceiling fans.
- It is recommended that organisers of outdoor events should consider postponing the event until the air quality improves.
- Assist your vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends. It is important to identify locations that have cleaner, filtered air-conditioned spaces (eg. shopping centres, community centres, libraries etc).
- If there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to air out your home to improve indoor air quality.
- When indoors, minimise other sources of air pollution, such as cigarette smoke, burning candles, using unflued gas appliances including gas stoves, or stirring up fine dust from sweeping or vacuuming.
- It is important to also stay hydrated by drinking water.
