TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Taking a walk outside recently, you might notice more smoke in the air or the smell of it.
That's because the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting prescribed burns.
These fires benefit the environment in positive ways such as improving wildlife habitat.
They can also have negative health benefits when it comes to people.
A local doctor is advising people to take precautions when going outside.
"If you're planning on being outside for long periods of time, and you have lung problems like asthma, it's probably a good idea to think twice about that," said Dr. Maria Andrews, Physician at Family Medicine Residency Program at TMH. "If you've already been outside, that's okay, just look out for things like coughing, wheezing, and if you're having those symptoms, come into your primary care provider to be assessed."
Another piece of advice is to check online with the Environmental Protection Agency before you plan to be outside, that way you can see what the air quality for that day will look like.
