Dozens of hazard reduction burns being carried out by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service have blanketed the Southern Highlands in a thick layer of smoke.
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While only two people have presented themselves to Bowral and District Hospital with respiratory problems, Southern Highlands residents have been urged to take care outside due to the increased level of smoke in the air.
Scheduled hazard reduction burns have been carried out across NSW including Werombi, Hill Top and Dharawal National Park.
Fire smoke can cause a variety of health problems, such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis.
Smoke from bushfires is made up of small particles, gases and water vapour.
The particles are very small and are not visible to the human eye.
The smaller or finer the particles, the deeper they go into the lungs.
The smoke particles can aggravate existing lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
NSW Health advise people take the following precautions to help minimise the adverse effects of bushfire smoke.
- Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed, or stay in air-conditioned premises, if possible.
- Avoid vigorous exercise, especially if you have asthma or a lung condition.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a mask designed to filter fine particles.
- Take advantage of any breaks in smoky conditions to air out your home, but remember to close off the house again when conditions deteriorate.
- Reduce physical activity.
- If you are particularly susceptible to bush fire smoke, consider staying with a friend or relative whose house has clean indoor air.
Call 1300 066 055 for more information.
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