SYDNEY, (PNA/Xinhua) –Children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions need to be more careful as air quality deteriorates in many parts of Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) due to bushfires, the State health authorities warned Friday.
Wayne Smith, Director Environmental Health Branch of NSW Health, said those with lung and heart diseases should closely monitor their symptoms as smoke particles become airborne and travel great distances from the location of the bushfires.
“Already smoke from bushfires burning in the Blue Mountains region and Muswellbrook areas has been blown east to Sydney city and coastal suburbs,” Smith said in a statement.
“The best way to avoid breathing in the smoke is to remain inside with the windows and doors closed, preferably in an air-conditioned building.”
Fine particles can also irritate the lungs of healthy adults, so it is best to avoid any prolonged outdoor exercise, he said.
NSW Health reminds asthma sufferers to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary.
“If symptoms get worse, asthma sufferers need to seek medical advice,” the NSW health department said.