RICHMOND — The American Lung Association (ALA) is offering health tips for people impacted by the toxic smoke from the Richmond, Indiana industrial fire.
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Last Tuesday over 2,000 people were forced to evacuate the area around a massive fire in Richmond.
The fire sent massive plumes of hazardous smoke into the air and the ALA urges all area residents to be cautious. They say people who live downwind of the fire are advised to keep their pets inside and to keep their windows closed.
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Communities in Ohio near the border should also take precautions.
ALA says the smoke from the fire can cause an increase in particle pollution or soot in the area.
To help residents protect their health, the ALA released the following health tips:
- Follow the advice to evacuate when directed and stay away until the evacuation order is lifted: Smoke from the fire site can include gases, chemicals, and soot pollution that can pose life-threatening harm. Wind direction changes and can blow those contaminants far from the original site. Listen to public health and emergency directions to know about steps to take to protect yourself and your family.
- Don’t count on a mask: Dust masks, designed only to filter out particles, do not provide adequate protection. Ordinary dust masks allow gases and the more dangerous smaller particles to pass through. Although special, more expensive dust masks with true HEPA filters or N-95 masks will filter out some damaging fine particles, they may not fit properly, won’t protect against harmful gases and are difficult for people with lung disease to use.
- Keep an eye on symptoms: Higher levels of smoke, gases or chemicals can make breathing more difficult. If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Seek emergency care if symptoms are severe, such as difficult or painful breathing. The first symptoms can appear 24 hours or even days after exposure.
- Special considerations for people living with chronic lung disease: People living with certain medical conditions such as asthma, COPD or cardiovascular disease may be at higher risk for health effects. Specifically, people with asthma or COPD should follow their asthma action plan or COPD action plan developed with their healthcare provider and report any worsening of symptoms promptly. Living with any chronic lung disease may put you at risk for new or worsening respiratory symptoms and it is important to avoid exposure whenever possible and pay close attention to your symptoms.
- Ask for help. The American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists and is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease, and lung health, including how to protect your lungs during emergency situations.