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Health officials offer tips to deal with fireworks smoke | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Updated at 9:57 a.m., Friday, December 28, 2007

Health officials offer tips to deal with fireworks smoke

Advertiser Staff

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Health's Clean Air Branch will monitor Hawai'i's air quality during the New Year celebrations and compare it with national ambient air quality standards.

The heavy use of fireworks during the annual holiday celebration can significantly increase the amount of particulates in the air, especially on O'ahu, health officials said.

Firework smoke consists primarily of particulate matter that can aggravate health conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. If you suffer from one of these lung conditions you may want to take certain precautionary measures. The Department of Health offers the following guidelines:

  • On New Year's Eve, stay indoors and close your windows and doors.

  • Check that your air conditioner or air purifier is working properly, change filters if necessary.

  • Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.

  • If you take medication, make sure you have an adequate supply and use them as directed by your physician.

  • Contact your physician if you need more medication and get clear instructions of what to do if your lung condition suddenly worsens.

  • Avoid people who have colds and other lung infections and wash your hands thoroughly.

  • Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus. Warm beverages work best.

  • Get plenty of rest and limit physical exertion.

    While these suggestions are intended primarily for persons with respiratory or chronic lung disease, they are also useful for healthy persons during air pollution episodes such as particulates dust, firework smoke, or volcanic haze, officials said.

    For further information regarding air quality you may contact the Clean Air Branch at 808-586-4200.

    If you wish to obtain additional information on respiratory health and the New Year's Eve fireworks you may contact the American Lung Association of Hawai'i at 808-537-5966 or visit their Web site at www.ala-hawaii.org.

    People who are concerned about their pets should check the Hawaiian Humane Society Web site at www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 808-946-2187.

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