July 19, 2009
Residents of the Okanagan regions and other areas affected by the West Kelowna fires should be aware that smoke conditions and local air pollution levels can change due to the unpredictable nature of fires.
Individuals with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke from forest fires. These individuals should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke and if necessary see their physician or local walk-in clinic.
People with severe symptoms should present themselves to the nearest Emergency Department.
Reducing Exposure to Smoke
There are some actions you can take to reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:
If the public wants to know the Air Quality Health Index for their region, log on to www.airhealthbc.ca or call (250) 952-2039.
During a forest fire, it's also important to be aware of health risks associated with food safety in power outages and water quality. Interior Health's website contains helpful information and other resources related to forest fire smoke exposure / air quality, as well as food safety when the power is out and ensuring your drinking water is safe. Visit www.interiorhealth.ca, click on the Health & Safety tab at the top of the page, then follow the links for Emergency Information > Forest Fires.
Media, for more info:
Karen Cairns,
IH Communications Officer
250.862.7228
Residents of the Okanagan regions and other areas affected by the West Kelowna fires should be aware that smoke conditions and local air pollution levels can change due to the unpredictable nature of fires.
Individuals with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke from forest fires. These individuals should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke and if necessary see their physician or local walk-in clinic.
People with severe symptoms should present themselves to the nearest Emergency Department.
Reducing Exposure to Smoke
There are some actions you can take to reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:
* Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1, or via the web at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp.
* You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Large air conditioned areas such as shopping malls will likely provide improved air quality. However, not all air conditioning systems, e.g. some household systems, will necessarily improve air quality. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
* Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
* If necessary, see your physician or visit a local walk-in clinic.
If the public wants to know the Air Quality Health Index for their region, log on to www.airhealthbc.ca or call (250) 952-2039.
During a forest fire, it's also important to be aware of health risks associated with food safety in power outages and water quality. Interior Health's website contains helpful information and other resources related to forest fire smoke exposure / air quality, as well as food safety when the power is out and ensuring your drinking water is safe. Visit www.interiorhealth.ca, click on the Health & Safety tab at the top of the page, then follow the links for Emergency Information > Forest Fires.
Media, for more info:
Karen Cairns,
IH Communications Officer
250.862.7228
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