News and updates

Advice regarding Latrobe Valley air quality 130pm Sunday 3 March

3 Mar 2019


Due to a number of bushfires in the Gippsland area, EPA’s Churchill air monitoring station is showing readings in the "Very Poor" air quality range and "Unhealthy for All" category. Thus, for this area, the advice below should be followed:

Excessive smoke levels can not only aggravate existing heart or lung conditions, but may also cause members of the community to experience irritated eyes, coughing or wheezing.

Everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity.

People over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions should avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity altogether.

Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor.

People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

.

Other EPA air monitoring stations in the Latrobe Valley have shown varying air quality with Morwell South, Morwell East and Traralgon showing "Very Poor". South Morwell air quality has been put in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category.

For this area, the advice below should be followed:

People over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity. Where possible, these people should also limit the time spent outdoors.

Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed by their doctor.

People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

This advice remains until conditions improve and/or further advice is given.

EPA’s AirWatch showing air monitoring results in this region and the rest of Victoria can be followed at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/monitoring-the-environment/epa-airwatch.

Page last updated on 3 Mar 2019