Sydney's Air Quality Is Officially "Hazardous" | Men's Health Magazine Australia

Sydney’s Air Quality Is Once Again Officially “Hazardous”

Sydney residents have once again woken up to a blanket of thick smoke as bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales with the Department of Environment yet again warning air quality in Sydney is “hazardous.” Over the boarder, a Code Red fire danger has also been declared in Victoria, the first time since January […]

Sydney residents have once again woken up to a blanket of thick smoke as bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales with the Department of Environment yet again warning air quality in Sydney is “hazardous.” Over the boarder, a Code Red fire danger has also been declared in Victoria, the first time since January 2010. 

The National Asthma Council Australia has described today’s pollen count as ‘extreme’, warning people who suffer from the respiratory condition to stay indoors and avoid exertion. 

Today is also the third anniversary of the epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, which took the lives of 10 people. 

“Today’s anniversary is a reminder that the risk is real. Any serious asthma attack can be life-threatening and have devastating consequences,” NAC chief executive Siobhan Brophy said.

“People do not need to be in the immediate area of a fire to suffer from the effect of smoke on their lungs. Wherever smoke haze is visible, it is a threat to those with asthma.”

Risks for most people are minor, but symptoms may include sore eyes and sore throats.  

As of last night there are still 50 fires burning across New South Wales with 25 uncontained. 

Large parts of New South Wales’ northwest continue to be hit by fires, with the Myall Creek Road bushfire and the 146-hectare bushfire at Gospers Mountain both upgraded to emergency warnings.

What can you do to protect yourself from smoke?

  • Stay indoors
  • Close windows and doors
  • Refrain from exertion and vigorous exercise
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a mask designed to filter fine particles, you can pick one up from most hardware stores

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