Contact: Tom Mather (919) 715-7408
Date: November 1, 2001 Distribution: Targeted
Smoke From Peat Fires Could Pose Health Concerns In Eastern N.C.
RALEIGH -- People who live near smoldering peat and forest fires in eastern North Carolina should take precautions to avoid breathing the smoke, state health and air quality officials said today.
Smoke from wildfires could contain harmful levels of air pollutants, including fine particulate matter. Groups who are particularly sensitive to such pollution include people with respiratory problems and heart disease, pregnant women, developing fetuses, and those who exercise outdoors.
"High levels of particulates from smoke can impair breathing and put extra strain on the heart and lungs of both very young and elderly people," said Dr. Bill Tynan, head of the N.C. Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Public Health. "Particulates may also cause lung irritation in healthy individuals."
"High levels of particulates can aggravate symptoms in individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive lung or heart disease, those with the flu, and people who breathe through their mouths," Tynan said. "People, especially those with heart and lung ailments and the elderly, should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity when in the smoky areas."
Wildfires were burning Thursday in portions of Currituck, Hyde, Pasquotank, Robeson, Tyrrell and Yancey counties. Of particular concern are peat fires in Currituck, Pasquotank and Hyde counties. Peat fires are difficult to put out because dry peat tends to repel water. Such fires can smolder for weeks unless it rains.
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is closely monitoring the situation. The agency's forestry and air quality personnel are working with local authorities to protect public health and safety.
The state Division of Air Quality has monitors that are measuring levels of fine particulate matter (dust and soot) in the air in Elizabeth City, which is close to the largest peat fires in Currituck and Pasquotank counties. The division will use the information to determine whether particulate levels are above air quality standards and will notify local officials and the public accordingly.
For more information about health concerns, citizens should contact their local health departments. More information about air quality can be found at the Division of Air Quality=s web site, http://daq.state.nc.us.
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