The Broward County
Air Quality Program and the Broward County Health Department have issued
a health advisory, effective today, for all of Broward County due to smoke
from wildfires in the Lake Okeechobee area blown in by winds out of the
northwest.
Infants, children,
pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic heart or lung diseases,
such as asthma, are considered at greatest risk from breathing in smoke
from wildfires, especially when they are physically active. When there
are elevated smoke or particulate matter readings, the Air Quality Program
and the Health Department advises residents to limit their outside activities
whenever possible. The Broward County Air Quality Program reports a high
concentration of particulate matter.
Particulate matter
pollution consists of very small solid particles or liquid droplets, including
dust, dirt, smoke, soot, mold and pollen that come from a variety of different
sources. Symptoms associated with smoke and/or particulate matter inhalation
may include irritation of eyes, nose and throat; headaches; coughing;
phlegm; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; and aggravated asthma.
Problems can begin a short time after breathing in smoke and without warning.
If you have heart or lung disease and experience any of these symptoms,
consult your doctor immediately.
The Air Quality Program
and the Health Department recommend that residents abide by the following
guidelines during an incident of high smoke or particulate matter levels:
- Limit outdoor
activities and remain in an air-conditioned environment.
- Leave the area
until the smoke has cleared if you do not have air conditioning or if
smoke is likely to get inside your house.
- Avoid activities
that put extra demands on your lungs and heart. These include exercising
or physical chores, both outdoors and indoors.
- Take all medication
according to the doctor’s instructions.
- Dust masks, bandanas,
or other cloths (even if wet) will not protect you from smoke.
- Contact your medical
provider if you are concerned about your health or if your health gets
worse.
The most current Air
Quality Index for Broward County can be obtained by calling the Air Quality
Program at (954) 519-1220. Residents can also receive immediate notification
by email or pager when the Air Quality Index fall into the “moderate”
or “unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories by registering
for the EnviroFlash alert systems. Visit http://www.broward.org/air
and click on the “Air Quality” button.
For more information
on Broward County’s air quality forecasting, contact the Air Quality
Program at
(954) 519-1220 or visit http://www.broward.org/air.
For information on programs and services at the Broward County Health
Department, visit http://www.browardchd.org.
