CANBERRANS have been warned of increasing bushfire smoke around the ACT due to a bushfire burning in Cooma.
The fire has resulted in a large body of smoke entering the atmosphere and prevailing weather conditions have dispersed the smoke over the ACT and surrounding regions.
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly says fine smoke particles are known to affect the 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,” Dr Kelly says.
“The smoke particles can also aggravate existing lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and some cardiac conditions.
“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. People with asthma in particular 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 bushfire smoke exposure, seek medical advice from your local doctor. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or chest pain should seek urgent medical attention by calling triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
For more information about the health impacts of bushfire smoke, visit: http://health.act.gov.au/
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