Smoke precaution tips for Sublette County
June 26, 2012
A joint message from Sublette County Public Health and the Wyoming Department of Health.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you
Smoke can cause
Coughing
A scratchy throat
Irritated sinuses
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Headaches
Stinging eyes
A runny nose
Asthma exacerbations
People who have heart disease might experience
Chest pain
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:
Inability to breathe normally
Cough with or without mucus
Chest discomfort
Wheezing and shortness of breath
When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms. Children are vulnerable because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults
Protect yourself
Limit your exposure to smoke.
If it is smoky enough for you to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Do not rely on dust or surgical masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to smoke as much as possible.
For more information contact:
Sublette County Public Health
307-367-2157
619 E Hennik Rd
(Next to the Pinedale Clinic)
For personal health emergencies please call 911
For public health emergencies please call 1-888-996-9104
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