Miami-Dade County issues a Precautionary Advisory for elevated levels of air pollutants

(Miami, June 9, 2014) Due to the smoke from brush fires in the Everglades, Miami-Dade County is experiencing smoke and haze due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter.  The Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.  It is advised that citizens, especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women should take precautionary steps to stay indoors.  Outdoor activities, especially exercising or physical chores should be avoided.  Additionally, people with chronic respiratory ailments (such as asthma) are at a higher risk of being affected by breathing the smoke from the brush fires.  Symptoms that may be experienced include: increased respiratory discomfort, irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

Since smoke is made of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles when wood and other organic matter burns, these microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system.  It can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.  Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases.

Residents of Miami-Dade County can obtain the air quality index by calling 305-372-6925.  Additionally, RER-DERM offers a free service that allows subscribers to receive via e-mail a daily air quality forecast for Miami-Dade County.  To subscribe, residents should go to http://miamidade.enviroflash.info/.