Broward County Advises Everyone to Take Precautions During Current Air Quality Conditions
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Venice of America
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Broward County Advises Everyone to Take Precautions During Current Air Quality Conditions

MEDIA CONTACT: Monica Pognon or Maribel Feliciano, Broward County Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division
PHONE: 954-519-1260
MEDIA CONTACT: Candy Sims, Broward County Health Department
PHONE: 954-467-4784

Fort Lauderdale - The Broward County Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division (PPRAQD) and the Broward County Health Department have issued a health advisory effective today, for all of Broward County due to smoke from wildfires caused by a lightning strike inside of Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County. The Weather Service is forecasting calm winds, but meteorologists caution that the winds may be strong enough to push some smoke from the brush fire across much of Broward later in the day.

Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic heart or lung diseases, such as asthma, are considered at greatest risk from breathing in smoke from wildfires, especially when they are physically active. When there are elevated smoke or particulate matter readings, the PPRAQD and the Health Department advise residents to limit their outside activities whenever possible. The Broward County PPRAQD reports a high concentration of particulate matter.

Particulate matter pollution consists of very small solid particles or liquid droplets, including dust, dirt, smoke, soot, mold and pollen that come from a variety of different sources. Symptoms associated with smoke and/or particulate matter inhalation may include irritation of eyes, nose and throat; headaches; coughing; phlegm; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; and aggravated asthma. Problems can begin a short time after breathing in smoke and without warning. If you have heart or lung disease and experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Additionally, the Broward County PPRAQD recorded elevated levels of the pollutant ozone yesterday and this morning; the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Ozone was 100. Based on the current data, Broward County is forecasting a further increase in ozone concentrations in the range of "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" over the Broward County and Moderate for PM 2.5 for the remainder of the day.

The PPRAQD and the Health Department recommend that residents abide by the following guidelines during an incident of high smoke or particulate matter levels:

  • Limit outdoor activities and remain in an air-conditioned environment.
  • Leave the area until the smoke has cleared if you do not have air conditioning or if smoke is likely to get inside your house.
  • Avoid activities that put extra demands on your lungs and heart. These include exercising or physical chores, both outdoors and indoors.
  • Take all medication according to the doctor's instructions.
  • Dust masks, bandanas, or other cloths (even if wet) will not protect you from smoke.
  • Contact your medical provider if you are concerned about your health or if your health gets worse.

The most current AQI for Broward County can be obtained by calling PPRAQD at 954-519-1260. For notification by email when the AQI fall into the "moderate" or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" categories by registering for EnviroFlash, visit www.broward.org/pollutionprevention and click on the "Air Quality" button. For information on programs and services at the Broward County Health Department, visit www.browardchd.org.