HEALTH SAFETY TIPS TO DEAL WITH WILDFIRE SMOKE

Contact Person:

Dr. Claudia Jonah

Kern County Health Officer

(661) 868-0306 

July 27, 2010 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Kernville Area: The wildfire in and around Kern County are producing lingering smoke, which may create a potential health hazard to all residents especially those who are sensitive.  Dr. Claudia Jonah advises taking the following precautions to minimize exposure.   

• Reducing the amount of time spent outdoors. This can usually provide some protection, especially in a tightly closed, air-conditioned house in which the air-conditioner can be set to re-circulate air instead of bringing in outdoor air. Staying inside with the doors and windows closed can usually reduce exposure.  
   
• Reducing the amount of time engaged in vigorous outdoor physical activity. This can be an important and effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and minimize health risks during a smoke event.  
   
• Reducing other sources of indoor air pollution. Many indoor sources of air pollution can emit large amounts of the same pollutants present in wildfire smoke. Indoor sources such as burning cigarettes, gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, and activities such as cooking, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can greatly increase the particle levels in a home and should be avoided during high pollution or when wildfire smoke is present.

The precautions are adapted from Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials