Lung specialist says stay indoors today
Published: Thu, Jun. 12, 2008 02:58PM
Modified Thu, Jun. 12, 2008 03:44PM
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closeRobert Aris, a lung specialist at UNC Hospitals, said people should stay inside today as smoke from a wildfire in eastern North Carolina rolls through the area.
"The only solution is to get indoors where the air condition filters out the particulates," Aris said.
Particularly young children and the elderly should avoid the outdoors, he said. And joggers should find a gym today instead of exercising outside.
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"The less you breathe the better, and you take in a lot more if you're breathing harder," he said.
While most people assume smoke will affect those with respiratory issues, Aris said studies show the particulate matter from the wildfire affects more people with cardiovascular disease. Ozone affects respiratory patients, and the smoke may actually decrease the ozone because it blocks the sun, he said.
Aris added people will not be affected by the smoke right away.
"The greatest health problems will occur 24 to 72 hours from now," he said, adding there are really no symptoms.
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