The Corowa region has been blanketed in a shroud of smoke over the past several days as fires rage across the country.
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According to the Air Quality Index, Corowa’s air quality has hovered between unhealthy and hazardous levels since Thursday, due to the calamitous fires that have wreaked havoc in North East Victoria and Southern NSW.
With the smoky haze set to continue in Corowa for most of the week according to the forecast, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is warning people to take precautionary measures with their exposure.
“Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so,” a spokesperson from EPA said.
“If your maximum visibility is 1.5 kilometres or less, your air quality is in the hazardous level, and you need to limit your time outdoors, limit exercise and follow any treatment plans.
“Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000). If you have concerns about your health you should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.”
EPA also recommends those with heart and lung conditions need to take medication prescribed by their doctor and follow medical plans.
Those that are pregnant, people above the age of 65 and children under 14 are also more sensitive to smoke and have been urged to limit exposure by staying indoors, and to wear a P2 or N25 mask if they do go outdoors.
An elderly woman died in Canberra last week after exiting her flight onto the tarmac and going into respiratory distress due to the smoke that filled the air.
The air quality in Canberra reached a level more than 20 times above hazardous and the recorded index rating was higher than New Delhi in India – the most polluted city in the world.
Similarly, Corowa was rated as far more polluted than New Delhi on Monday, recording a 308 rating, with the Indian capital registering 262 in the mid afternoon.
Cardiologist, Dr Arnagretta Hunter, said the smoke is putting an extra strain on health service providers.
“Smoke pollution, as we have unfortunately seen, can be fatally dangerous, she said.
“ As climate change worsens bushfire conditions and puts more Australians in harm’s way, this puts huge pressure on health service providers who must cope with more patient admissions, more cardiovascular emergencies, and even greater indoor pollution and equipment failures in hospitals due to smoke.
“This is a national health and climate emergency which needs urgent attention from the Federal Government.”
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