Smoke from the East Gippsland bushfires has shrouded Ballarat as south easterly winds drive the haze across the state.
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At Melton, the closest air monitoring point to Ballarat, the air quality was rated 197 or unhealthy at 10am.
According to the Environment Protection Authority, an unhealthy rating means "everyone may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects".
The poor air quality peaked at Melton earlier in the morning with a 207 reading.
The AMA had earlier warned of the health threats of breathing hazardous smoke that has spread beyond the fire zones.
They urged everyone in and near fire zones to be aware of the risks of compounded ongoing smoke exposure, and to seek medical care where needed," said AMA president Dr Tony Bartone.
"The length and density of smoke exposure is a new and possibly fatal health risk that many people within our community have not previously had to face.
"With denser smoke haze and longer periods that people endure smoke inhalation, there is a much higher risk that previously healthy people will face developing serious illness.
AMA Vice President and respiratory physician Dr Chris Zappala warned some people could have respiratory disease they were not aware of.
"Being undiagnosed and unmedicated is a new risk for some people who, but for fire and smoke exposure, appear otherwise healthy," Dr Zappala said. "Anyone who develops breathlessness, wheeziness, chest tightness, or a persistent cough should seek medical attention immediately. Borrowing someone else's inhaler or using over-the-counter Ventolin is not recommended.
"People with known chronic respiratory illness such as asthma are also at increased risk of exacerbation.
"These patients should increase inhaler therapy as prescribed, and reduce smoke exposure where possible. Anyone with concerns about their personal health should immediately seek medical advice," Dr Zappala said.
Here is the EPA's smoke advice and how you can minimise the risk to you and your family.
How smoke impacts health
Most healthy people tolerate brief smoke exposure quite well. Smoke is more likely to affect some people including:
- those with heart or lung conditions
- pregnant women
- young children
- the elderly.
Symptoms of smoke exposure - including bushfire smoke - can include:
- eye, nose and throat irritation
- coughing
- sneezing
- congestion.
Exposure to smoke may be a risk because it can:
- trigger asthma
- worsen heart disease
- reduce visibility and road safety.
- The smaller the smoke particles, the greater the potential health impact may be.
What to do when it's smoky outside:
- If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside. But only if it's safe to do so.
- Remember to:
- keep your windows and doors shut
- switch your air conditioner to 'recirculate'
- take a break from the smoky conditions - for example, visit a friend or go to a large air-conditioned location
- air out your house when the smoke clears
- look out for children, older people, and others at risk
- keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets' bedding inside if possible.
- When it's smoky, take care of your health, especially if you're sensitive to air pollution. You can do this by:
- reducing physical activity
- following your treatment plan if you have a heart or lung condition
- following your asthma action plan
- seeing your doctor or calling NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 if you're worried about your symptoms
- calling 000 if you experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
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