Health Care Provider-Air Conditioning-Smoke Levels

Brush Fire in Ottawa – How it can affect your health

Who is most at risk?

• Children (they breathe more often, so exposure is heavier)
• Seniors (whose natural defenses against Particulate Matter are more limited)
• Pregnant women-If you are pregnant, your healthcare provider has the best advice for you because he/she knows about your condition.
• People who already have chronic heart or lung conditions
• People who are very active doing work or sports outside

 What are short-term health risks?

• Your body will try to protect itself against the smoke particles by making more tears and mucous. This can cause runny noses, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses and headaches. If the smoke is heavy and lasts for days or weeks, you may also develop a cough.
• People who already have heart or lung problems may feel the effects of smoke earlier and worse than others in the community.

 How can I protect myself and minimize the health effects of fire smoke?

• If it looks smoky outside, it is best to refrain from outdoor physical activity and a good time to stay indoors
• Keep windows closed and fresh air intakes closed
• If smoke is affecting your breathing or making you uncomfortable in others ways, move to a less smoky area. Homes can get really hot with the windows closed. If you go indoors to get out of the smoke, be sure that the temperature indoors doesn’t create additional problems for you. Use air-conditioning if it is available and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• If you have an HEPA air cleaner that will reduce levels of small particles in indoor air, use it and stay in the room where it is located. 
• Use air conditioning in cars and keep windows closed.
• Avoid smoke producing appliances such as wood stoves and even candles
• Do not smoke tobacco inside – smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you
• If you have asthma or other respiratory condition, be vigilant about avoiding smoke and taking your prescribed medicine.  Speak with you health care provider.
• Seek medical treatment if you have uncontrolled coughing, wheezing or choking, or if breathing difficulty does not subside indoors

 When are smoke levels dangerous?

• When visibility is worse, generally the worse the smoke. 
• Tune into local media for details and updates on local conditions.

 Seek medical treatment if you have uncontrolled coughing, wheezing or choking, or if breathing difficulty does not subside indoors For more information call Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744, to speak with a public health nurse. Follow us on Twitter @OttawaHealth for helpful health tips. Sources: Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. read more..

source:ottawa.ca