Asthma and respiratory problems linked to bushfires
4 February 2011
Bushfire smoke is at least as harmful as urban air pollution and increases the risk of respiratory problems, according to Australian research published in the journal Respirology (2011; 16: 198-209).
Researchers analysed 27 Australian and international studies investigating the health impact of bushfire seasons. They found that tiny particles in the air from bushfire smoke (called tiny particulate matter, or PM10) moderately increased the number of people going to hospital for respiratory diseases, including asthma, compared with non-bushfire periods.
One Australian study revealed an increase in people admitted to hospital for respiratory problems of 1.2% for each increase in PM10 from bushfire smoke of 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air. (A microgram is a millionth of a gram.)
"Bushfires are expected to increase in the future as a result of climate change, and this will result in a larger public health issue", the authors said.
Last Reviewed: 04 February 2011
- 1. Dennekamp M, Abramson MJ. The effects of bushfire smoke on respiratory health. Respirology 2011; 16: 198-209. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01868.x. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01868.x/full (accessed Feb 2011).
