For Immediate Release
September 6, 2007
Agency Advises Residents to Beware of Health Dangers Posed by Smoke From Local Wildfires
Thursday, September 6, 2007 Agency Advises Residents to Beware of Health Dangers Posed by Smoke From Local Wildfires San Jose, Calif. - Air quality in several northern California counties continues to be impacted by two large fires the region. The fires in Plumas National Forest in Plumas County and Henry Coe State Park in Santa Clara County have produced elevated levels of particulate matter, not only polluting the air, but also posing a health risk to local residents.
Caused by soot from smoke, particulate matter can have a harmful effect on the lungs. Particulate matter is so small that it can travel past the body’s natural defense systems and become trapped in the lungs. It can also travel through the bloodstream and into the heart. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. More seriously, spikes in particulate levels can cause chest pain, lung infections, asthma attacks, strokes and heart attacks. Furthermore, elevated levels of particulate matter have been linked to increased rates of hospitalizations and premature death due to respiratory and heart problems.
“Air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems and the smoke coming from wildfires only exacerbates this risk,” said Margo Sidener, President & CEO of Breathe California. “It is important for the local residents to be aware of the threat that air pollution poses and to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Breathe California recommends that Bay Area residents take steps to decrease their exposure to polluted air. Those living in the South Bay Area and those who are at risk to the particulate matter's negative effects, such children, seniors, people who work outdoors and those with respiratory problems like as asthma or emphysema, should be especially careful to limit their exposure. To protect your lungs from harmful levels of air pollution: Keep windows and doors closed whenever possible
- Limit afternoon outdoor activities, when smog levels are highest
- Avoid outdoor activities that cause you to overexert yourself
- Avoid smoking and/or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Use the recycle/re-circulate setting on the air conditioner at home or in the car
- Contact your physician or clinic for advice, if you do not feel well
To learn more about protecting yourself from the dangers posed by air pollution, contact Breathe California at 1-877-3-BREATHE or visit www.breathecalifornia.org to be connected to your local Breathe California office. Breathe California fights lung disease in all its forms and works with its communities to promote lung health. For close to 100 years, our local agency has pursued this mission here in the Bay Area through a host of local programs and services.
Media Contact: Dave Low
(408) 998-5865, david@lungsrus.org