Efficacy of Communication Techniques and Health Outcomes of Bushfire Smoke Exposure: A Scoping Review

Emily Heaney,Laura Hunter,Angus Clulow,Devin Bowles,Sotiris Vardoulakis

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010889

Abstract

Public health officials communicate the relevant risks of bushfire smoke exposure and associated health protection measures to affected populations. Increasing global bushfire incidence in the context of climate change motivated this scoping review. English-language publications related to adverse health outcomes following bushfire smoke exposure and publications relating to communication during natural disasters were included. Bushfire smoke events potentially increase healthcare contact, especially presentations triggered by respiratory illness. At-risk populations include those with underlying cardiorespiratory disease, elderly, paediatric, pregnant persons, and First Nations people. We found that social media, television, and radio are among the most common information sources utilised in bushfire smoke events. Message style, content, and method of delivery can directly influence message uptake and behaviour modification. Age, rurality, and geographical location influence information source preferences. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups and those with hearing, vision, and mobility-related disabilities may benefit from targeted health recommendations. This review emphasises the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and related communication recommendations during and after bushfire smoke events. Additional investigation may further clarify the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and efficacy of related health messaging, particularly in at-risk populations. Quantitative comparison of communication methods may yield more specific recommendations for future bushfire smoke events.

Highlights

The Australian 2019–2020 bushfires burnt approximately 10 million hectares of land; more than the 2009 Black Saturday and 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire disasters combined [1]
Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5 ) generated by bushfires has been implicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a potential causative factor in the development and exacerbation of cardiorespiratory diseases and cancers, triggering global concern that increasing incidences of exposure could result in a health emergency [3]
Articles focussing on the health outcomes of smoke exposure from sources other than bushfires and wildfires, such as residential or industrial fires, were excluded as the nature of the particulate matter contained within the smoke may differ from that of bushfires

Summary

Introduction

The Australian 2019–2020 bushfires burnt approximately 10 million hectares of land; more than the 2009 Black Saturday and 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire disasters combined [1]. Outside of the devastating destruction of land, lives, and property, bushfire smoke was estimated to have affected more than 10 million Australians over a period of months, an unprecedented exposure period to bushfire smoke [2]. South American continents experienced their own catastrophic bushfires in 2019–2020. Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5 ) generated by bushfires has been implicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a potential causative factor in the development and exacerbation of cardiorespiratory diseases and cancers, triggering global concern that increasing incidences of exposure could result in a health emergency [3]. The threat of increased morbidity and mortality during bushfire smoke events can be underappreciated when faced with imminent fire damage, but smoke potentially presents

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