Consider Keeping The Kids Home Today – Hazardous Air Quality

The Air Quality has slipped even lower over night with the AQI now at 209 at the Beresfield Monitoring Station. Anything over 200 is considered to be Hazardous to everyones health.

It’s recommended to stay indoors today as Bushfire Smoke can cause serious health problems.

Consider keeping the keeping the kids home from school today as fine smoke particles are known to affect the human breathing system specially in the young and elderly are more sepetable.

It’s not mandatory and schools are open today to in the Hunter Region.

These particles can cause a variety of health problems, such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis. The smoke particles can also aggravate existing lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.

Symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled, so people with the above conditions need to be vigilant with their treatment programs.

If you have asthma or a lung condition and you develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, follow your asthma or COPD action plan.

If symptoms do not settle, seek medical advice. If you are on home oxygen treatment, continue as prescribed. If breathlessness worsens, contact your doctor.

Healthy adults generally find that any symptoms they have developed during a bushfire event clear after the smoke disappears.

Remember if you have any difficulties breathing today to call 000 immediately.