Demand for face masks has skyrocketed in Bendigo, in the wake of the devastating fires and the subsequent smoke haze that has swept across the state.
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Hardware shops across the city have reported selling out of masks, among them Hume and Iser Mitre 10.
Daniel Hewett said the store had not seen such demand for the products in previous years and was awaiting more stock.
Live fire updates: Towns and firies regroup before more bad weather
Fitzpatrick's Home Timber and Hardware manager Jayden Rice said his store had almost sold out entirely and he'd had to order another 1000, to arrive this week.
In his 15 years at the store, Mr Rice said he had never seen this level of demand for masks.
Hardware giant Bunnings says it has limited stock of masks across its stores in Victoria and is working to get more to the relevant stores as quickly as possible.
The federal government's healthdirect website advises that flimsy paper masks, handkerchiefs and bandannas do not work in filtering out the tiny bushfire smoke particles.
P2 masks do work, but are only effective when there is a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
Particles in bushfire smoke can cause health problems and worsen existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease.
Related: Blue skies as smoke lifts slightly
To protect themselves from the ill-effects of bushfire smoke, people - especially those more vulnerable, including the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic disease) - should stay indoors where possible, with the windows and doors shut.
Air conditioners should be set to recirculate air.
Strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided and those with medical conditions should keep any medication close by.
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