The dangers of smoke inhalation

Image copyright PA
Image caption Firefighters tackle the wildfire on Saddleworth Moor

Moorland fires continue to burn on both Lancashire's Winter Hill and Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester, blanketing the region in smoke and ash.

So what can local people do to protect themselves and their families from smoke inhalation?

Smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes, leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain.

It can also exacerbate asthma and, in some cases, the pungent smell and air pollution can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness.

On Sunday, a local man collapsed near the scene of the moor fires in Lancashire, after ignoring the police barrier and venturing too close.

Image copyright PA
Image caption Members of the public have been given face masks to cope with the smoke

Official advice is that if people need to be outdoors, they should try to:

Public Health England says there is unlikely to be a significant risk from short-term contact with ash and soot.

Nonetheless, residents in areas affected by smoke should:

People who have been outdoors are advised to:

Here is the key advice from nearby NHS Trafford:

The hot weather may also make symptoms of smoke inhalation worse.

Those living in the vicinity are advised to:

Experts have commented on "the very visible particulates and smoke" common to slow-burning moorland fires, which tend to smoulder rather than flame, with some warning that children and the elderly even without pre-existing conditions "should avoid exposure".

Vets have also advised owners to bring any small pets indoors.

However, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has reported that smoke levels are not "toxic".

For most people, any risks should be small and the discomfort short-term. Just be aware of your surroundings and stick to the official advice.