Health Advice on a Smoky Day

A press release from the McHenry County Health Department:

The McHenry County Conservation District's Lake in the Hills Fen iblanketed with smoke during the earlhy afternoon of Sept. 13, 2011.

Minnesota Forest Fire Affecting Air Quality in McHenry County

WOODSTOCK, IL – McHenry County is experiencing the affect of smoke from the Pagami Creek forest fire burning in Northeastern Minnesota. The Pagami Creek forest fire was ignited in late August near the Boundary Waters Canoe area and now covers 60,000 acres, according to The Associated Press.

Air quality will likely remain unhealthy at times in parts of McHenry County over the next couple of days. Children, the elderly, individuals with respiratory and cardiac problems, or anyone engaged in strenuous and/or outdoor activity are recommended to remain indoors or use caution.

Additional precautions are listed below:

  • Leave the area if you are at greater risk from breathing smoke.
  • Limit your exposure to smoke outdoors and indoors.
  • Stay inside and use your air conditioner. If you do not have an air conditioner or smoke is likely to get inside your house, leave the area until the smoke is completely gone.
  • Avoid activities that put extra demands on your lungs and heart. These include exercising or physical chores, both outdoors and indoors.
  • Make sure you take all your medications according to the doctor’s directions. Contact your doctor if your health gets worse.
  • An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some 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.

Updates will be provided on the McHenry County Department of Health website at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4510.


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