Health Advisory Update
Incident: Zaca Wildland Fire
Released: 8/10/2007
Santa Barbara, CA -There is an expectation of increased smoke and ash over the weekend from the Zaca Fire and the related burning operations being undertaken to control the blaze. As a result, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) remind residents that a health advisory is in place for people living in areas affected by smoke from the Zaca Fire.
Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children should limit time spent outdoors and limit prolonged or heavy exertion when the smell of smoke is present. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to excess smoke exposure, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider.
This health advisory is in effect indefinitely and may be revised as conditions warrant. See attached for additional information, and check http://www.OurAir.org for updates on smoke advisories, and links to additional information on the fire incident.
- Check out the Santa Barbara County Fire Department website, http://sbcfire.com for information on assembling a disaster kit, establishing a "defensible space" directly around your home, and more.
- Check http://www.OurAir.org, for smoke advisories and updates. But also use common sense. If it smells smoky outside, it's not a good time for you or your children to exercise outdoors.
- If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed - unless it's extremely hot outside. If you have an air conditioner, run it with the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean. Don't use fireplaces, gas logs, or candles, don't vacuum, and don't smoke.
- When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. If you have heart or lung disease, are an older adult, or have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.
- Be sure to call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Health Effects of Smoke
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and can worsen illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, you may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people.
Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people. Children also are more susceptible to smoke for several reasons: their respiratory systems are still developing; they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults; and they're more likely to be active outdoors.
