Created: 4/17/2007 7:02:45 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A health alert has been issued for Duval County in the wake of the smoke from the Georgia wildfires.
The Duval County Health Department says the smoke can be a problem for your eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
Experts say if you have heart or lung disease, the smoke might make your symptoms worse.
It can cause coughing, scratchy throats, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and runny noses.
The smoke can also be problematic for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respirator allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can prevent you from breathing normally, or make you cough with or without mucus, and cause chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath.
The health department says children, the elderly, and people with preexisting health conditions should limit their time outdoors until the smoke dissipates.
Call 630-3246 or go to www.bt.cdc.gov/ for more information on the effects of wildfire smoke.
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