Lung Foundation Australia: What to do in smoke haze
15 Sep 2023
Lung Foundation Australia Acting CEO Christa Bayer said exposure to smoke can have both short-term and long-term impacts for the general public and is particularly harmful for people living with any kind of lung condition.
“As a bushfire burns, a mixture of fine particles and toxic gases are released into the air as smoke, and these particles (known as PM2.5) can go deep into the lungs, enter the blood and travel throughout the body,” Ms Bayer said.
“Short-term, breathing in these particles can exacerbate existing health issues, impair lung function, and increase hospitalisation and death rates. There is no safe level of air pollution.
“Exposure to these particles can cause lung cancer, as well as a range of other conditions including pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, and has even been linked to diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurological diseases.”
Ms Bayer said poor air quality can also very seriously affect people with heart disease, heart failure or who’ve previously had a stroke.
“For people living with lung health issues, it is important to work out a clear plan with your doctor for rapidly detecting and responding to any deterioration in symptoms,” she said.
“Your plan should involve identifying and accessing cleaner air spaces – this can partially be achieved through closing doors and windows to minimise leakage into the house, or considering other indoor air quality purification like HEPA filters. “
If you’re in an area which is particularly affected, where possible:
- Avoid physical activity outdoors (consider indoor activities instead)
- Rest more frequently
- Close windows and doors to minimise outside air coming into your home
- Switch your air conditioner (if you have one) to recycle or recirculate mode
- Follow your action plan and treatment advised by your doctor and keep your medicines close at hand
- Check the expiry dates and the supply of your commonly used medicines.
- Have your emergency plan ready in the event of an evacuation or the loss of essential services (such as power loss) during bushfires.
