Precautions To Take From Smoke From Forest Fires
By 250 News
Thursday, August 05, 2010 05:40 PM
Prince George - Important Health Information for People Living in the Cariboo and Surrounding Areas Affected by Heavy Smoke
For Individuals Considered "High Risk"
For anyone considered at high-risk (those with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, young children, and pregnant women) who is living in an area with heavy smoke conditions due to forest fires, you should consider moving to an area where there is less or no smoke.
To check air quality in communities within the province, log on to: www.bcairquality.ca/readings/index.html.
These individuals should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, persistent cough or wheezing, shortness of breath or other symptoms consistent with worsening of their underlying chronic health condition. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke (see "Reducing Exposure to Smoke" below) and if necessary, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or see their physician, local healthcare provider or local walk-in clinic.
People with severe symptoms should present themselves to the nearest Emergency Department or health office where their healthcare provider is located.
Information for High-risk Individuals On-reserve
First Nations Inuit Health and Indian Northern Affairs Canada has responsibility to protect the health of Aboriginal British Columbians living on-reserve. Interior Health will continue to work closely with them and the Aboriginal communities to provide support to those people whose health may be affected by smoke exposure.
General Information for Others in Heavy Smoke Areas that are Experiencing Symptoms
If you are otherwise healthy but experiencing symptoms due to heavy smoke, follow the below steps to reduce your exposure.
Reducing Exposure to Smoke
There are some actions you can take to reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:
* Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity - if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
* You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Large air conditioned areas such as shopping malls will likely provide improved air quality. However, not all air conditioning systems (e.g. some household systems) will necessarily improve air quality. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
* Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
* If necessary, see your physician, healthcare provider or visit a local walk-in clinic.
For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1.
If the public wants to know the Air Quality Health Index for their region, log on to www.bcairquality.ca or call (250) 952-2039.
Residents of Thompson and Cariboo regions and other areas affected by the Yalakom Fire near Lillooet should be aware that smoke conditions and local air pollution levels can change due to the unpredictable nature of fires.
For Individuals Considered "High Risk"
For anyone considered at high-risk (those with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, young children, and pregnant women) who is living in an area with heavy smoke conditions due to forest fires, you should consider moving to an area where there is less or no smoke.
To check air quality in communities within the province, log on to: www.bcairquality.ca/readings/index.html.
These individuals should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, persistent cough or wheezing, shortness of breath or other symptoms consistent with worsening of their underlying chronic health condition. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke (see "Reducing Exposure to Smoke" below) and if necessary, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or see their physician, local healthcare provider or local walk-in clinic.
People with severe symptoms should present themselves to the nearest Emergency Department or health office where their healthcare provider is located.
Information for High-risk Individuals On-reserve
First Nations Inuit Health and Indian Northern Affairs Canada has responsibility to protect the health of Aboriginal British Columbians living on-reserve. Interior Health will continue to work closely with them and the Aboriginal communities to provide support to those people whose health may be affected by smoke exposure.
General Information for Others in Heavy Smoke Areas that are Experiencing Symptoms
If you are otherwise healthy but experiencing symptoms due to heavy smoke, follow the below steps to reduce your exposure.
Reducing Exposure to Smoke
There are some actions you can take to reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:
* Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity - if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
* You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Large air conditioned areas such as shopping malls will likely provide improved air quality. However, not all air conditioning systems (e.g. some household systems) will necessarily improve air quality. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
* Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
* If necessary, see your physician, healthcare provider or visit a local walk-in clinic.
For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1.
If the public wants to know the Air Quality Health Index for their region, log on to www.bcairquality.ca or call (250) 952-2039.
Residents of Thompson and Cariboo regions and other areas affected by the Yalakom Fire near Lillooet should be aware that smoke conditions and local air pollution levels can change due to the unpredictable nature of fires.
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