14 April 2021

Air quality health alert issued for upcoming prescribed burns

| Dominic Giannini
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Smoke haze

Canberrans are being warned that prescribed burns may impact air quality throughout the week. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Canberrans are being warned that air quality may be impacted by prescribed burns in the ACT and NSW this week, and smoke haze will likely be visible in the late afternoon and evening.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to take precautions to help minimise the health effects of the smoke if air quality is impacted.

Canberrans who may be particularly sensitive to smoke should avoid outdoor physical activity if they develop symptoms like a cough or shortness of breath, ACT Health said.

Doors and windows should also be closed, and people with asthma should have their reliever puffer or inhaler available.

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“Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their health practitioner, and anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical assistance,” an ACT Health spokesperson said.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 000.

For further information on managing your health during smoky conditions and current air quality health advice, visit the ACT Health air quality portal.

Canberrans can also use the free AirRater smartphone app for real-time information on air quality.

ACT Health will continue to monitor the air quality and provide further public health advice is needed.

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