Very Poor air quality is currently being experienced in Mallee, Northern Country, and West and South Gippsland forecast districts.
Extreme heat and bushfire smoke are both harmful to health and the effects of heat exposure can have serious consequences for sensitive individuals.
Excessive smoke can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and cause irritated eyes, coughing and wheezing.
Smoke can affect people’s health. Take steps to reduce your exposure and protect the health of yourself and others.
Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so.
You can self-assess the air quality near you using these tools. Your nose is an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health.
What you can do:
Check the air quality in your area here: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality.
Stay indoors away from smoke. If you must go outside when it is very smoky, consider wearing a mask (P2 or N95).
Close your windows and doors to keep smoke out of your home.
Keep the air inside your home as clean as possible. You can do this by:
Closing windows and doors and opening them when air quality improves, using your split system air conditioner or switching other types of air conditioners to recirculate if they have this function, not using evaporative coolers because they bring outdoor air inside.
Using an indoor air cleaner, if you have one, that has a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter that is the right size for the room.
If you think the air in your home is still uncomfortable, consider relocating if it is safe to do so. For example, go to an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre.
You may also consider using a P2 or N95 mask but seek advice from your doctor if you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition.
People who are sensitive (people with a heart or lung condition, including asthma; people over the age of 65; infants and young children; pregnant women; and people with diabetes) to smoke should actively monitor symptoms and follow their health management plan recommended by their doctor.
If you are worried about your symptoms, see your doctor or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
If you or anyone in your care has trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Impacts in your area:
Road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility associated with smoke.
Signs may be in place to slow traffic. Obey all traffic signs and instructions from fire agency crews near the fires.
Environment Protection Authority is monitoring air quality across the state.
This message was issued by Environment Protection Authority.
