Bushfire smoke continues to affect Tasmania

Tuesday, 7 January 2020

Bushfire smoke is continuing to affect air quality in Tasmania, particularly in the state’s North West and North, but also through the Midlands and into the East Coast.

Poor air quality poses a health risk, particularly to vulnerable people.

Those most at risk are people aged over 65 years, babies and young children, pregnant women, and those with diabetes, heart or lung conditions, including asthma.

Even healthy people can experience short-term health effects in very poor air quality conditions.

Bushfire smoke is predicted to continue to affect Tasmania during the next few days.

People planning to participate in outdoor activities during the Devonport Cup holiday tomorrow should be mindful of the need to protect themselves from smoke, particularly if they have any health conditions making them more vulnerable.

The safest thing to do when it is very smoky is to stay indoors, and to avoid outdoor activities.

It important that people with asthma or other chronic conditions follow their health plan and try to reduce the smoke they breathe.

On smoky days everyone should try to:

•      Stay indoors, close your doors and windows

•      Make sure any air conditioning is not bringing outdoor air inside

•      Avoid exercise outdoors

•      Go somewhere less smoky like a friend’s place, a library, or shopping centre

Importantly, anyone who becomes unwell should seek medical help.

For more information visit www.health.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke