Goulburn blanketed in thick smoke - what can we do?

That's a joke to try and lift people's spirits because it is getting too depressing.

People are saying the constant smoke and the need for them to stay indoors is "life-limiting" and making them sad.

It's like we have our own version of Seasonal Affect Disorder, the condition that Poms get because they never see the sun.

One thing people can do is wear face masks, but whether they are effective at blocking small particle smoke that comes from the bushfires is debatable. Yes, feel free to debate it in the comments below this story on Facebook. Also, see Dr Pal's comments below.

As at 11.15am on New Years Day, Bunnings Goulburn had sold out of masks, particularly the P2 mask for painting.

A ring around chemists also found that smoke masks had been a popular item. A quick call to Blooms chemist confirmed that they had sold out of masks.

So what can we do?

Keep your windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If this sounds too hard to work out then ask someone who knows how to do it - or again, add comments on Facebook.

If you do NOT have an air conditioner, seek shelter in the mall or clubs, the cinema or the library (from tomorrow). An evacuation centre is also now open at Veolia Arena

Check air quality reports at places like here: https://aqicn.org/rankings/

Try not to be further depressed when you see Goulburn is actually worse than India at the moment on these sites, actually it is the worst place in the world - go Goulburn! That said, it won't stop people taking selfies at the Big Merino.

Older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke - so look out for them if they are your neighbours.

Put a towel under your door entrances (thanks for that tip fellow journo, Burney Wong).

Wear rose-tinted glasses so you can think it is not as smokey (Burney again).

Read also: Smoke chokes city and power goes out

South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Naru Paul said the fire emergency engulfing many parts of the state meant smoke had affected many communities and showed no sign of lifting in the near future.

"These numbers show the smoke continues to have an impact on people's health and reinforces the need for people to take steps to reduce their exposure," Dr Pal said.

For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat. However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms.

"NSW Health continues to recommend that people with these conditions should avoid outdoor physical activity when there's smoke around," Dr Pal said.

Dr Pal said, with more and more people starting to wear a variety of face-masks, it is important to consider the evidence.

"The main concern with smoke is the very fine PM2.5 particles, which are so small they pass through most types of mask. A P2 mask does filter out these particles, but is only effective if there is a good fit and an air-tight seal around the mouth and nose.

"Evidence shows that this is difficult to achieve in practice, so they may not provide the benefit people are hoping for."

To be equally uplifted, read also: Bushfire health impacts awful: doctor

In case of emergency always remember to dial Triple Zero.

More information is available online at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/bushfire-smoke.aspx

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