Bushfire smoke will continue to affect Tasmania during February.

How can smoke affect my health?

You may get itchy or burning eyes, sore throat, runny nose and a cough.

You may choose to take precautions when it is smoky outside. This is especially important for:

• people with a heart problem
• people with a chronic lung condition, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• infants
• people aged over 65 years
• Other people with long-term medical conditions.
• Pregnant women should also minimise their exposure to smoke.

What should I do?

It is important for all Tasmanians to minimise their exposure to smoke whenever possible.

• Avoid doing physical activity in the outdoors.
• Switch air conditioners to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’.
• People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions in particular, should rest as much as possible and stay away from the smoke.
• Close windows and doors when indoors.
• When indoors, minimise other sources of air pollution such as cigarette smoke, burning candles, using unflued gas appliances or woodstoves, and avoid stirring up fine dust from sweeping or vacuuming.
• If there is a break in smoky conditions, take the opportunity to open windows and air out your home to improve the indoor air quality.
• Portable air cleaners with a HEPA filter or an electrostatic precipitator will lower the concentration of indoor particles and reduce the risk of health impacts from smoke. Devices that only humidify, generate negative ions, or absorb unpleasant smells do not reduce airborne particles.

Know when to seek medical attention

• Those on medication should continue to take their medications as usual.
• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan. Make sure you have your blue/grey reliever with you at all times and if you have a child who is asthmatic, ensure the school has a copy of their current asthma management plan.
• If you are having difficulty breathing or think you are experiencing warning signs of a heart attack, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.

How can I keep track of the smoke?

You can check the smoke particle levels nearby through the Environment Protection Authority’s real-time air quality data. Air quality notifications are activated when smoke levels are high in an area for just one hour.

You can download the free AirRater app to keep track of air quality and weather in your area.

Where can I get more information?

• The Public Health Services – Tasmania Hotline is 1800 671 738.
• This information has been sourced from Public Health Tasmania