Department of Health urges care in smoke haze

The Department of Health has urged the public to take the necessary health precautions in response to smoke caused by prescribed burns.

Exposure to smoke from fires can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, cause coughing and shortness of breath, and temporarily irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

The Department of Health advises a number of precautions should be taken to minimise exposure to environmental smoke if people consider themselves to be at-risk.

People are advised to:

• Switch off air conditioners that do not allow for the fresh air intake to be turned off.
• Shut doors and windows.
• Stay inside if possible. This is particularly important for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• Limit outdoors exercise or avoid it completely.
• Seek relief from smoke inside a shopping centre or other suitable public building.

Anyone experiencing negative health effects from environmental smoke are urged to seek medical attention from their GP or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

ENDS

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Media contact: media@health.wa.gov.au