15 Feb 2017

Canterbury District Health Board's Community and Public Health Division have issued a health warning to residents over the smoke coming from the Port Hills fires.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the smoke has noticeably spread over the city and surrounding hill suburbs.

“For the vast majority of people, the smoke will be unpleasant, but carries no risk to their health. However, smoke may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. More serious symptoms include runny or sore eyes, dry or sore throat, sore nose, cough, tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing. 

Smoke billowing across the city

Health officials are warning residents to close windows and doors.

“In healthy people, most symptoms disappear soon after exposure to smoke ends and do not cause long-term health problems.”

People who have difficulty breathing, have a prolonged cough or tightness in their chest should make their own GP team their first call 24/7 for #carearoundtheclock.

“In an emergency always phone 111. For all other health care needs make your usual general practice team your first call – after hours, and when they’re closed, a team or nurses is ready to take your call. They can tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen urgently.”

Dr Humphrey says most people are very unlikely to have any long-term health effects but people with pre-existing respiratory (lung) illness or heart disease may experience and exacerbation (recurrence) of their condition.

Cigarette smokers, the elderly, children and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease are at greatest risk of harm from smoke inhalation.

“Avoid exposure where possible by staying indoors and closing windows and doors,” he says. 

Dr Humphrey is also encouraging people remember to look out for their neighbours, especially the elderly, or those with disabilities and make sure they’re ok.

“Canterbury has been hit hard with its fair share of disasters in the last half decade, so many people will understandably be feeling overwhelmed and in shock. We all need to remember to look out for one another and take care of each other.”