Smoke from bushfires or planned burns can cause poor air quality across large parts of Victoria. Fine particles in smoke are small enough for you to breathe into your lungs.
Health impacts of smoke
Exposure to smoke from bushfires or planned burns may result in itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose and coughing. People generally tolerate brief episodes of smoke exposure quite well, but those with pre-existing heart or lung disease, pregnant women, children 14 years or younger, and people over 65 years of age are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke. Symptoms may worsen and include wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Preparing for smoke events
There are things you can do to prepare for potential smoke events and minimise exposure to smoke to help protect you and your family:
- Check for gaps in doors and windows - During smoke events, the advice is to remain indoors and seal gaps around doors and windows as well as possible. You can prepare your home before a smoke event by identifying any gaps and sealing these where possible. If sealing gaps is not possible, wet towels can be used to cover gaps when there is smoke outside. It is important to air out your home when conditions improve.
- Check the settings on older style reverse cycle air-conditioners - During bushfire smoke events you want to avoid bringing outdoor air into your home and you might want to set your air conditioner to recycle if it has the appropriate function. Evaporative coolers are not the best form of cooling during hot weather and smoky conditions as they draw in air and therefore smoke particles from outside.
- Ensure that at least five days supply of medication is always on hand - If you or a family member has a heart or lung condition, including asthma, always make sure there is enough medication on hand to last at least five days.
- Know where to find information -
- Information about air quality in your local area can be found on the EPA AirWatch website
- Visit http://www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226 to sign up for notifications to find out when and where planned burns are happening near you.
There are some circumstances where masks or indoor air cleaners may assist with reducing exposure. Further information can be found here:
- P2/N95 face masks and smoky conditions
- Portable air cleaners with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter can reduce the concentration of fine particles present in smoke indoors, but only if the air cleaner is matched to the size of the room and the room is well sealed.
When it's smoky outside
There are a range of things people can do to help protect their health including:
- People with a heart or lung condition (including asthma) should have an up to date asthma action plan or treatment plan in place with your doctor. Follow these plans and carry necessary medication with you. When worried about symptoms, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24. Anyone experiencing chest tightness or difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Other at risk groups including children under 14 years, people over 65 years, pregnant women and outdoor workers should follow advice and information on what to do to protect their health in smoky conditions. More information about how smoke can impact your health is available on the EPA website.
- Reduce your exposure to smoke-affected air when it's smoky outside, including reducing the time spent outside in the smoke; reducing or defering strenuous exercise or physical activity until the air quality improves; switching the air-conditioning to recycle air when driving; where practicable (for example, if you are not under direct threat from fire) remain indoors. Visit air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, cinemas or shopping centres where possible to ensure some respite from the smoke or heat. Refer to the above information for tips on optimising indoor air quality at home during smoky conditions.
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