An extreme bushfire smoke pollution event: health impacts and public health challenges
Anthony Kolbe A and Kim L. Gilchrist A BA Population Health, Greater Southern Area Health Service
B Corresponding author. Email: kim.gilchrist@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 20(2) 19-23 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB08061
Published: 25 February 2009
Abstract
Aims: To determine the health impacts of smoke and the effectiveness of public health advisories during a severe bushfire smoke event in Albury, NSW. Methods: The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change provided PM10 data. A computer-assisted telephone survey using random digit dialling was conducted following the smoke event to assess health impacts and the effectiveness of advisories. Results: The smoke event lasted 38 days. The maximum daily PM10 level was 415 μg/m3. Public health advisories were based on alerts for air pollution issued by NSW Department of Health. From the survey, a total of 389 interviews were available for analysis. At least one health effect of the smoke was reported by 70% of respondents and 5% reported seeking medical treatment. Over 74% reported seeing, hearing or reading the health advisories. Behaviour change was significantly greater in this group (odds ratio = 2.74; 95% confidence interval 1.50–5.02). Conclusion: High rates of health effects may be experienced by populations exposed to bushfire smoke pollution. Public health advisories can support behaviour change to reduce exposure to bushfire smoke.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the funding provided through the Environmental Health Branch of the NSW Department of Health for the CATI survey and Dr Vicky Sheppeard and Ms Margo Barr for their assistance with the survey. The authors acknowledge the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change for the provision of air quality data.
[1] Naeher LP, Brauer M, Lipsett M, Zelikoff JT, Simpson CD, Koenig JQ, et al. Woodsmoke Health Effects: A Review. Inhal Toxicol 2007; 19 67–106.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | (Cited 7 July 2008.)
[3] Churches T, Corbett S. Asthma and air pollution in Sydney. N S W Public Health Bull 1991; 2 72–3.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | (Cited 7 July 2008.)
[9]
[10] Long W, Tate RB, Neuman M, Manfreda J, Becker AB, Anthonisen NR. Respiratory symptoms in a susceptible population due to burning of agricultural residue. Chest 1998; 113 351–7.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | (Cited 7 July 2008.)
