In response to the warning issued by the National Meteorological Service due to the presence of smoke in different provinces of the NEA, NOA, Centro and Cuyo regions, the Ministry of Health of the Nation establishes a series of recommendations to the population, especially people with chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma), cardiovascular diseases, allergies, or other risk conditions:
- Limit exposure to smoke.
- Suspend outdoor activities such as sports, walking, etc.
- Reduce sources of indoor air pollution.
- Keep windows and vents closed.
- If you have air conditioning, use it in “ventilation” or “recirculation” mode.
- Place rags or rolled towels under doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering.
- Avoid smoking, as this will increase air pollution.
- If smoke concentrations are high, do not light candles or fireplaces.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner because it will cause particles to move around in the air.
- Drive with caution due to reduced visibility, and with low beams.
- Wearing appropriate, well-fitting face masks can help reduce personal exposure to smoke and ash, especially for those who must remain outdoors for extended periods due to work or other factors.
If you have any questions, you can go to the nearest health center.
National Weather Service Warning
A curtain of smoke from forest fires in Bolivia today reached the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) and 10 provinces in the northern region of the country, which will affect people at risk and those with breathing difficulties due to poor air quality, and will significantly reduce visibility.
According to the SMN, due to the smoke screen “phenomena are expected that may represent inconveniences or difficulties in the normal development of social life.”
In this regard, the agency today placed the provinces located in the northern part of Argentina such as Misiones, Corrientes, Formosa, Santiago del Estero and Chaco, as well as parts of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Santa Fe and Tucumán under warning.
Table of Contents
Forest Fires in Bolivia: Understanding the Impact and Precautions to Take
Bolivia is no stranger to forest fires, with the country experiencing its peak fire season typically beginning in early September and lasting around 16 weeks, resulting in a significant number of VIIRS fire alerts [[1]]. In recent years, Bolivia has faced some of its largest forest fires on record, such as the devastating fires in 2019 that affected over 6,000,000 hectares of land, mainly in the Bolivian east [[2]].
The Impact of Forest Fires on Health and Environment
Forest fires have severe consequences on both human health and the environment. The negative impact of forest fires not only translates into loss of biodiversity but also affects everyone’s quality of life [[3]]. Exposure to smoke and ash from forest fires can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues, especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, or other risk conditions.
Recommendations for the Population
In response to the warning issued by the National Meteorological Service due to the presence of smoke in different provinces, the Ministry of Health of the Nation has established a series of recommendations to the population. These include:
Limiting exposure to smoke
Suspending outdoor activities such as sports, walking, etc.
Reducing sources of indoor air pollution
Keeping windows and vents closed
Using air conditioning in “ventilation” or “recirculation” mode
Placing rags or rolled towels under doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering
Avoiding smoking, which will increase air pollution
Not lighting candles or fireplaces if smoke concentrations are high
Not using a vacuum cleaner, as it will cause particles to move around in the air
Driving with caution due to reduced visibility, using low beams
Wearing appropriate, well-fitting face masks to reduce personal exposure to smoke and ash, especially for those who must remain outdoors for extended periods.
Additional Precautions
In addition to these recommendations, it is essential to take other precautions to minimize exposure to smoke and ash. These include:
Staying informed about the current air quality and smoke levels in your area
Avoiding outdoor activities, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition
Keeping a clean and dust-free environment to reduce the amount of ash and smoke particles in the air
Using air purifiers or HEPA filters to reduce indoor air pollution
Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
What to Do If You Have Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about the smoke and ash from forest fires, you can contact your local health center for guidance and support. Additionally, staying informed about the latest updates and warnings from the National Meteorological Service and the Ministry of Health can help you take the necessary precautions to protect your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Forest fires in Bolivia have severe consequences on both human health and the environment. By understanding the impact of forest fires and taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize your exposure to smoke and ash and reduce the risk of health problems. Remember to stay informed, take precautions, and prioritize your health during this time.
Forest Fires in Bolivia: Understanding the Impact and Precautions to Take
Bolivia is no stranger to forest fires, with the country experiencing its peak fire season typically beginning in early September and lasting around 16 weeks, resulting in a significant number of VIIRS fire alerts [[1]]. In recent years, Bolivia has faced some of its largest forest fires on record, such as the devastating fires in 2019 that affected over 6,000,000 hectares of land, mainly in the Bolivian east [[2]].
The Impact of Forest Fires on Health and Environment
Forest fires have severe consequences on both human health and the environment. The negative impact of forest fires not only translates into loss of biodiversity but also affects everyone’s quality of life [[3]]. Exposure to smoke and ash from forest fires can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues, especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, or other risk conditions.
Recommendations for the Population
In response to the warning issued by the National Meteorological Service due to the presence of smoke in different provinces, the Ministry of Health of the Nation has established a series of recommendations to the population. These include:
Limiting exposure to smoke
Suspending outdoor activities such as sports, walking, etc.
Reducing sources of indoor air pollution
Keeping windows and vents closed
* Using air conditioning in “ventilation” or “recirculation” mode