Bushfire Smog –
Health Effects

Smoke from the Australian fires has blanketed many parts of the country in thick smog. The Environment Protection Authority’s monitors showed the fires have caused the air quality in many areas to be at hazardous levels at various times, across cities and towns on the east coast of Australia.

The smoke haze could lead to serious aggravation of health effects in people over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions.

Acute exposure to the haze can harm the nose, lungs and eyes in otherwise healthy children and adults result in the following symptoms:

• Itchy, watery or red eyes.
• Runny nose.
• Blocked nose.
• Sneezing.
• Dry/sore throat.
• Dry irritant cough.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Reduced tolerance to exercise

These symptoms are not infectious i.e. do not spread from person to person, and usually not serious in nature. They are expected to subside as the air quality improves.
If these symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical assistance by calling HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 or if you are in Queensland call 13 432 58 or get in contact with your General Practitioner.

For any emergency please dial triple zero (000).

To view the air quality for your region please go to https://aqicn.org/map/australia/

Air Quality Measurement Guide

References:

1. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/Pages/bushfire-smoke.aspx
2. http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
3. https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au
4. https://www.theage.com.au
5. https://www.heraldsun.com.au
6. https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/chief-health-officer/about
7. https://aqicn.org/map/australia/