An extreme bushfire smoke pollution event: health impacts and public health challenges

Abstract

To determine the health impacts of smoke and the effectiveness of public health advisories during a severe bushfire smoke event in Albury, NSW. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change provided PM(10) 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. The smoke event lasted 38 days. The maximum daily PM(10) level was 415 microg/m(3). 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). 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.