FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2007

MEDIA CONTACT
Molly Payne-Hardin, desk 850.595.6410

Health Alert for Smoke and Ash


Due to smoke and ash from area wildfires, the Escambia County Health Department is issuing a health alert to protect residents who are sensitive to air pollutants. This morning the federal air quality index rated Escambia County as Unsafe for Sensitive Groups (Orange). Individuals who are typically sensitive to smoke and air pollutants are senior adults, children, and individuals with chronic heart or lung problems such as heart disease, asthma, or emphysema, older adults and children. These individuals should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outside.

If individuals experience signs or symptoms of respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty in breathing, they should go into an air conditioned space and call their doctor if symptoms persist. Even for healthy individuals, smoke may irritate their respiratory system and produce scratchy throat and watery eyes. Sensitive individuals can protect themselves by:

+ Stay indoors if you experience symptoms outside. Run your air conditioner with a clean filter. Large commercial buildings may choose to close the fresh air intake on their system so that smoke and ash do not enter the building.

+ If you don't have an air conditioner, and are a comfortable temperature inside with the windows closed, stay inside. If your home is too warm, and/or you are experiencing symptoms in your home, seek alternative shelter.

+ Keep particle levels inside and around your home lower by not burning outdoor yard waste, smoking tobacco, or using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and candles

+ Delay vacuuming when possible, as vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home.

+ Follow your doctor’s advice about taking your medications and adhere to your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

+ Stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke. Pay attention to local air quality reports from the Department of Environmental Protection http://www.dep.state.fl.us/mainpage/em/2007/wildfire/default.htm or the federal Air Now program at http://airnow.gov/


For students in schools
For students in schools, if you are an asthmatic or have other respiratory diseases and are experiencing any signs and symptoms such as wheezing, please go to your school health nurse for assistance. Students please take your inhaled or other medications as directed by your physician.


For Students in Outside Physical Activities
For students in outside physical activities, if you are experiencing any respiratory signs or symptoms such as wheezing or difficulty in catching your breath, go inside into an air conditioned space, and see the school health nurse if your symptoms do not subside or should worsen.


If respiratory problems persist, contact your physician for further instructions.