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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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News Release
4/23/09
Contact: Marcy Bauer, Public Health Solutions District Health Department, 995 East Highway 33 Suite 1, Crete NE 68333
Planned Fires in Kansas Could Affect the Air in Our Health District
Extensive agricultural burns in Kansas could temporarily cause air quality problems and health hazards in our area. Based on the NOAA Satellite and Information Service map, portions of the PHS Health District are already potentially being affected by the smoke clouds (see below). “Southerly winds carrying particles and gases from these fires can make conditions like heart disease, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema worse. Smoky air can also trigger asthma attacks”, said Marcy Bauer, Environmental Health Manager with Public Health Solutions District Health Department. While most people will not be affected, “people with these health conditions should pay special attention to outdoor air conditions”, and take appropriate action if necessary.
If you are concerned about air quality and your health over the next few days, consider:
- Staying indoors as much as possible
- Keeping your windows and doors closed
- Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors
- Making sure that your vehicle’s air conditioner is set to “re-circulate”
If you experience excessive coughing, tightness in the chest, or chest pains, you should contact your doctor.
This kind of planned agricultural burning is common in the spring months. The closest air quality monitoring station is in Lincoln, where they track a variety of air pollutants that can affect our health, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter.
http://www.firedetect.noaa.gov/viewer.htm, taken at 1:42pm Central Time on 4/23/09 ( red dots are “hot spots”, green plumes are satellite-analyzed smoke layers); PHS district shown in black box.
888-310-0565
marcy@phsneb.org
www.phsneb.org
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