This morning SA Health issued an alert regarding smoke that has blanketed Adelaide and surrounding areas.
Due to the bushfires in Cherry Gardens, smoke can be seen across South Australia today which may pose health risks to people with chest or heart conditions. This could pose a serious threat to health, particularly for vulnerable people with lung or heart conditions.
The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, said the combined effects of recent hot weather and poor air quality from bushfires means people should take
extra precautions.
“We are urging people to stay indoors where possible, avoid physical exercise outdoors and reduce their exposure to smoky air,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
“People should keep windows and doors shut, and ventilate the house once the smoke clears.
“If possible, avoid running evaporative air conditioners which draw in external air. Switch your car air conditioning to recirculate.
“Smoke particles can aggravate existing health problems such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and heart conditions.
“Other vulnerable groups include people 65 years and older, young children and infants, pregnant women and people with diabetes.”
People with asthma and other respiratory conditions should follow their action plans, including carrying their reliever medication at all times if prescribed.
Symptoms of smoke inhalation may include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, heart palpitations, fatigue, itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, a runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis.
If you are having trouble breathing, seek medical attention.
More information can be found at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au.
Latest News
- SA Mum Katherine Bennell-Pegg becomes Australia’s first qualified astronaut
A South Australian engineer and mother-of-two has become the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag. - Walkerville given green light for new state-of-the-art recreational facility
A major update for the 39 Smith Street site in Walkerville has been announced, with a full rebuild of the site approved. - Kahani Indian Food Trail brings authentic Indian to Glenelg
Kahani Indian Food Trail is Glenelg’s newest Indian restaurant, claiming to have one of the best butter chicken dishes in Adelaide! - South Australians to rally against violence this weekend
From the 26th to the 28th, individuals from across Australia will gather in their local communities to unite against violence. - Almost 5,000 SA motorists caught using their mobile phones
Almost 5,000 South Australian drivers were caught using their phones by mobile phone detection cameras last year.
More News
