July 31, 2002
State heath officials issue alert due to smoke
SALEM - State health officials today issued a health alert, warning Oregon residents with asthma and other lung diseases to take extra precautions to protect themselves against smoke from the state's wildfires.
State epidemiologist Mel Kohn says people with asthma are especially vulnerable to the health effects of smoke.
Smoke and ash have affected some parts of the state, particularly in central and southwestern Oregon, for days.
Kohn says people should continue to use their medications, monitor their symptoms and stay in contact with their doctors. They should also consider remaining indoors and refraining from any strenuous activities.
State officials say 290,000 Oregonians have asthma.