MOST of the Corporate Area and parts of St Catherine have been blanketed by smoke from a fire at the Riverton City landfill that has been burning since Monday.

Up to the late yesterday, firefighters and private contractors -- with the help of members of the Jamaica Defence Force -- fought relentlessly to smother the stubborn flames, which the National Solid Waste Management Authority predict could be still burning tomorrow.

The smoke from the landfill have forced many schools and businesses to close their doors, while private residents are worried as to the negative health effects of the smoke.

And, they have good reasons to.

According to the Ministry of Health, landfill fires emit a variety of pollutants that have the potential to affect the health of the persons exposed to the smoke. Affected persons may experience headache, dizziness, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing and other symptoms.

Affected persons are, therefore, encouraged to:

* Avoid or reduce exposure to smoke by closing window and doors and remain indoors as much as possible. This is especially so for those persons who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions; and elderly and young.

* Cover nose and mouth with a clean wet rag or cloth to minimise effects of the smoke

* Avoid exposing laundry outdoors since these can become contaminated, stained and foul smelling.

* Visit the nearest health facility or doctor if they start having shortness of breath, wheezing or severe coughing, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

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