Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the health threat from wildfire smoke?
A: Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Fortunately, most persons who are exposed to thick smoke will not have health problems. How much and how long you are exposed to the smoke, as well as your age and degree of susceptibility play a role in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related problems. If you are experiencing serious medical problems for any reason, seek medical treatment immediately.
Q: How can I protect myself and my family from the harmful effects of smoke?
A: Limit your exposure to the smoke by:
- · Staying indoors whenever possible
- · Using air conditioners (air conditioned homes usually have lower air exchange rates than
- · homes that use open windows for ventilation)
- · Using mechanical air cleaners
- · Keeping windows closed while driving in a vehicle
- · Doing less strenuous physical activity (fast walking rather than jogging)
- · Minimizing other sources of air pollution (smoking tobacco, using wood burning stoves, burning candles or incense and vacuuming)
Q: Where can I find Florida health statistics?
A: The following four websites contain Florida's health statistics:
Florida Environmental Public Health Tracking System
FloridasHealth.com
Florida Charts
North East Florida Counts
Q: What is the mission of the Department of Health?
A: To Promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Florida.
Q: How do I make a complaint about a Restaurant?
A: Restaurants are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR), not by the Clay County Health Department. You can file a complaint online by clicking on the following link, which will take to you DBPR web page. http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/consumers.html
