Recommendations from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) regarding exposure to fire smoke are prompted by the anticipated increase in temperatures in some regions of Portugal and a very high to maximum risk of rural fires in the North, Center, and Algarve regions.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), hot and dry weather is expected from today onwards.
Temperatures may exceed 40 degrees in some areas of Portugal.
In cases of smoke inhalation, the DGS advises removing the person from the location and ensuring they do not breathe in the smoke or are exposed to the heat.
Alarm signs include facial burns, respiratory difficulty, and altered consciousness.
The DGS warns that “inhalation of smoke or irritating chemical substances, and heat, can cause respiratory tract damage.”
There are two mechanisms of injury: heat injury (burn) and irritation/toxicity from chemical components of smoke.
In this context, the DGS recommends avoiding exposure to smoke by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, in a cool environment, and using air conditioning in recirculation mode if possible.
It is also advised to refrain from using combustion sources indoors, such as gas or wood appliances, tobacco, candles, incense, and to avoid outdoor activities.
The use of a mask/respirator (N95) is recommended whenever exposure is unavoidable, as well as maintaining regular medication “if you have associated diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and following the doctor’s instructions in case of worsening symptoms.”
“Stay informed, hydrated, and cool,” summarizes this health authority.
It further advises, in case of need or for more information, to call the SNS24 (808 24 24 24) and, in an emergency, to dial 112.
The DGS also emphasizes in a note published on its website that consuming milk in cases of smoke intoxication is a myth.
“Its usefulness is not described in scientific articles. Milk is not an antidote for carbon monoxide,” it highlights.
Mainland Portugal is again under a yellow warning today due to persistent high temperatures, with the only exception being the district of Faro, according to the IPMA.
In the districts of Lisbon, Leiria, and Aveiro, the warning starts at 09:00 today, while in other districts, it is already in effect.
All warnings will last at least until 18:00 on Thursday.
In Madeira, the South Coast and mountainous regions are also under a yellow warning until 18:00 today due to the heat.
Almost all municipalities in the north, center, and Algarve regions are today at maximum or very high risk of rural fires, according to IPMA data.
In the northern coast, only the municipalities of Esposende (Braga), Póvoa de Varzim (Porto), and those of Murtosa, Aveiro, and Ílhavo (all in the district of Aveiro) are at moderate risk of rural fire.
In the Algarve, the municipalities of Olhão, Faro, Albufeira, and Lagoa are the only ones at moderate risk. In the others, the IPMA forecast is of high to maximum risk.
According to IPMA calculations, the risk of rural fire will remain high in the coming days in these same regions of the northern and central interior and the Algarve.
