INTRODUCTION

Bushfire smoke from fires can reduce the quality of the air you breathe. If you are experiencing smoke from bushfires where you live, this fact sheet provides some useful information on bushfire smoke and what you can do to avoid or reduce the impact of bushfires on your health.

BUSHFIRE SMOKE – WHAT IS IT?

Smoke from bushfires is made up of small particles, gases and water vapour. The particles and gases in smoke can potentially affect your health.

Particles are generally not visible to the human eye as they are very small. In smoke, these particles are often very small – 1/30th the diameter of an average human hair.

The size of particles is important, as it will have a bearing on how far they can be breathed into the human lung. Generally, the smaller or finer the particle size the deeper into the lung it can potentially reach.

Gases in bushfire smoke include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

HOW CAN BUSHFIRE SMOKE AFFECT MY HEALTH?

One of the biggest health concerns from smoke comes from particle matter. Fine particles are known to affect the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Particle matter from smoke can cause a variety of health problems from itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, and runny nose to more serious conditions such as bronchitis and asthma symptoms.

Particles can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Children, the elderly, and people with vascular complications are particularly susceptible to the effects of fine particles.

Symptoms from exposure to high levels of fine particle pollution can occur up to five days after smoke is inhaled, so people with the above conditions need to be vigilant with their treatment programs.

Not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems. The level, extent and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility and other factors play a significant role in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems. Healthy adults generally find that any symptoms they may have developed during a bushfire smoke event clear after the smoke disappears.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS – WHAT CAN I DO?

To protect your health during a bushfire smoke event the following precautions can help to minimise possible health effects:

• Staying indoors with windows and doors closed may provide some protection,

• Air-conditioning can potentially improve the quality of the air you breathe (make sure the intake is switched to recirculate),

• Avoid vigorous exercise (especially young children and the elderly or if you have a respiratory condition such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes).

• If you are an asthmatic or have a respiratory or heart condition and you develop symptoms - shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, or chest pain - then you should rest and follow your prescribed treatment plan. If symptoms do not settle, you should seek medical advice. People on home oxygen treatment should continue as prescribed, if breathlessness worsens, contact your doctor.

• If your health declines rapidly or you suffer a severe asthma attack, seek medical attention immediately.

People who cannot avoid outdoor exertion when pollution levels are high may cover the nose and mouth with a mask designed to filter fine particles (this is a “P2” or “P3” mask designed to Australian Standard – AS1716). Ensure that the mask is well-fitted with an airtight seal over your face. These masks are usually available from hardware stores.

If smoke conditions are hazardous, the Department of Health or your Local Council may advise postponing outdoor events such as sports.

If you are experiencing a protracted bushfire smoke event where you live (ie. over a period of several weeks) you can do a number of other things to reduce your exposure:

• Take advantage of any break in the smoky conditions during these longer events to air out your home. Indoor air quality can be improved at these times, but remember if conditions deteriorate again to close off the house to the outdoor air,

• Generally, reduce the amount of physical activity you may need to undertake during the day. This is something you can plan for during a protracted smoke event, and

• If you are particularly susceptible to the effects of bushfire smoke, you may consider evacuating your home temporarily, either staying with a friend or relative that may have cleaner indoor air in their home or leaving town for a short time.