The preventive measures against smoke inhalation that can be followed according to the EODY by those citizens who live or are in areas affected by fires, the Evros Regional Unit – Department of Public Health & Social Care announced in today’s announcement.

“Exposure to smoke can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, as well as worsening of any respiratory and cardiac diseases. People with chronic respiratory, cardiac or other diseases, pregnant women, the elderly and children are at an increased risk from the effects of smoke,” the statement said.

In this context for the protection of public health, the EODY recommends to the citizens their removal from the area where conditions favor heavy exposure to smoke.

If they can’t leave, he urges them to limit their movements, staying indoors as much as possible and keeping indoor air as cool and clean as possible.

To achieve this, EODY recommends citizens to keep windows and doors closed, to use air conditioning only if the machine has internal air recirculation and well-maintained filters, to avoid smoking indoors and to use a vacuum cleaner (electric or conventional ).

In the absence of smoke outside, EODY recommends citizens to ventilate the indoor spaces to renew the air by opening the windows and to avoid outdoor activities as long as there is smoke.

If it is deemed necessary to move citizens outdoors, EODY recommends the use of a high protection mask (e.g. type N95, FFP2, KN95), avoiding physical exertion and drinking plenty of drinking water and liquids, especially during periods of heavy smoke.

In the event of symptoms from the respiratory or cardiovascular system that may be related to excessive exposure to smoke, such as persistent cough, difficulty and/or wheezing, chest tightness or pain, tachycardia, nausea, unusual fatigue or dizziness, EODY recommends citizens to seek immediate medical assistance.