20 November 2006

Air pollution health warning - high ozone and particles

Due to the hot weather and ongoing bushfires, air pollution levels in Sydney have been high today and are expected to remain high this evening and tomorrow. Ozone pollution is a product of car exhaust and other urban pollutants, and is made worse by bushfire smoke.

NSW Health warns that children with asthma are most susceptible to the effects of ozone pollution, and people with chronic lung problems are most affected by bushfire smoke.

"Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, so parents should limit the time their children with asthma play outside until the weather changes and the ozone is cleared away," said Dr Vicky Sheppeard, environmental health policy analyst for NSW Health.

"Pollution levels tend to be lowest in the morning, so it's best to plan outdoor play in the morning when the day is also cooler.

"Asthma sufferers need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, asthma sufferers need to seek medical advice. Ozone can also irritate the lungs of healthy adults, so its best to avoid any prolonged outdoor exercise particularly in the late afternoon and early evening.

"People with chronic bronchitis and emphysema should ensure they take their preventive medication and try to stay inside as much as possible this evening and tomorrow," she said.

For more information about air pollution and health, visit the NSW Health air pollution health alerts web page at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/living/airpollution.html.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au