The ACT Health Directorate has warned people with asthma and other respiratory conditions that Canberra’s air quality may be reduced this week due to prescribed burns being undertaken in the ACT and NSW.
The Directorate said anyone who might be particularly sensitive to outdoor smoke, should take precautions to minimise negative health effects.
“Avoid outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms like cough or shortness of breath,” the Directorate said.
“When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better,” it said.
“Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor; if you have asthma, have your reliever puffer available.”
The Directorate said Canberrans who suffered from asthma should also make sure their treatment and action plans were up-to-date.
It said that 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.
“In the event of a medical emergency call 000,” it said.
The Health Directorate said it would monitor Canberra’s air quality and advise the community if additional public health advice was needed.
It said a useful resource for information on local air quality was the free AirRater Smartphone app which provided users with real-time information on air quality.
The AirRater app can be accessed at this PS News link.
