What is bushfire smoke?
There are many more months left of the bushfire season, yet already the damage to land, communities and ecosystems has been monumental. These fires have blanketed the air with ash and smoke and significantly reduced the air quality across parts of NSW.
Impacts of exposure
Bushfire smoke consists of small particles of gases and water vapour and can cause a number of health problems like throat irritation, itchy eyes and irritate existing lung conditions like emphysema and asthma. PM 2.5 is a fine particle pollution found in the air, and has one of the most concerns for our health. It is fine enough to creep into our lungs, bloodstream and can trigger heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and asthma attacks [1]. A PM 2.5 measurement over 200 is considered “hazardous” and safe levels are considered to be around 25. [2]
In December Sydney’s air quality index reached levels 11 times higher than “hazardous” levels. One of the worst readings was in Rozelle that had an AQI of 2,552 [2]. A statement released by the Climate and Health Alliance stated that hazardous pollution levels are linked to "premature births, low birth weight babies, impaired lung development in children, asthma, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.” [3].
Exposure to bushfire particles has a cumulative impact over a lifetime. It’s important to exercise caution even in short-term exposure, multiple exposures to high levels of pollutants may have health impacts.
For the most vulnerable in society: babies, children, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases these air pollution levels, they are at greater risk of health impacts.
Limiting exposure to bushfire smoke pollution
There are a number of ways to protect yourself and reduce exposure [3]:
- Purchase a fitted P2 or N95 mask to filter the fine particles
- Avoid smoke exposure by staying indoors or stay in air-conditioned areas if possible
- Avoid outdoor exercise
- Seal your living space
- Use an air purifier in your living space with a HEPA filter
If you are experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain, please seek medical assistance. There is no end in sight for the bushfires crisis, take extra precaution to minimise your exposure to smoke pollution.
Sources
[1] NSW bushfires: 'apocalyptic' health effects of Sydney's toxic air, Sydney Morning Herald, 14 December
[2] Sydney smoke returns to worst ever levels, ABC News, 11 December
[3] No safe level of pollution: Labelled a public health emergency, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 December
Tags
Air pollution
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