Smoke from controlled burns impacting the Cape Fear

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Another environmental issue hurting some people in the Cape Fear — controlled burns. 

People have been affected by the smoke, especially those with underlying conditions. 

Novant Health has seen an increase of visitors in their express care by patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  

Novant says people are experiencing more difficulty breathing, potentially more mucus production, and using a rescue inhaler more. 

Rand Pennington is a nurse practitioner with Novant Health. 

He says before going to the doctor there are ways to reduce your risk at home. 

“So, you can monitor air quality in your local area and see how you are being affected. If you live near the sites, the controlled burn are taking place we recommend you stay indoors as much as possible using HEPA-filtration if you have that available. Not keeping your windows open,” Pennington shared. 

Pennington adds, if you have to go outside near a controlled burn and have issues with your lungs wear a N95 mask. Those are the masks worn by healthcare personnel in close contact with patients with Covid-19.