Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Anyone can experience effects from smoke exposure, but individuals with chronic heart and lung conditions, children, the elderly and pregnant women are at increased risk.
If you are in smoke-affected areas (which includes areas with visible smoke, smell of smoke, are hazy or with “dust” in the air).
• Stay inside with windows and doors shut.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• If you do not have an air conditioner and if it is too warm to stay inside
with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
• Avoid physical exertion.
• Postpone outdoor events.
If you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue seek immediate medical care. This is important not only for people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of such diseases.
For more information on smoke from wildfires go to:
www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/eh/wildfire
03-26-11
12:00 hrs