Health ministry issues advisory on smoke from Riverton fire

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to take steps to protect themselves from potentially adverse health effects of the smoke from the fire at the Riverton City Dump in St Andrew.

Persons are asked to avoid exposure to the smoke by doing the following:

* Minimise all outdoor activities and persons living in and around the vicinity of the Riverton City Dump should close windows and doors to prevent excessive exposure.

* Persons who suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses should cover mouth and nose with a clean damp rag to protect themselves from inhalation of smoke and dust particles.

* Keep children indoors as much as possible; look out for any difficulty in breathing or any discomfort that your child may experience.

* Persons with illnesses such as heart or lung conditions and other chronic diseases should continue to take medications as prescribed.

* Anyone who is experiencing difficulty breathing, wheezing or tightness in the chest should seek urgent medical assistance.

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