Things to do now, to protect our lungs from smoke pollution
Publish the PM2.5 reading alongside the air pollutant index, which only says the air is unhealthy without saying what people are inhaling. Warn vulnerable groups ahead of time. Set a lower trigger for high-risk pupils.
1. Warn people before smoke arrives by issuing hotspot counts, regional forecasts, and wind models, similar to flood and storm warnings. 2. Publish PM2.5 alongside the Air Pollutant Index, providing a clearer picture of the unhealthy air and filling gaps in the current network. 3. Adjust school activities and closing times based on the Air Pollutant Index, with lower triggers for high-risk students and the option to stay home without penalty.
4. Align the monsoon declaration with the onset of preventer inhaler effectiveness, conducting asthma and COPD reviews in May and June. 5. Maintain a register of vulnerable individuals, notifying them of forecasted smoke plumes and providing shelter options for those unable to afford purifiers or take time off work. 6. Encourage daily use of preventer medication for asthma patients, maintaining windows and using HEPA filters during high pollution periods, and seeking medical attention early if experiencing rising breathlessness.
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