Perth’s north-east is under threat from an out-of-control bushfire. The fire, which has destroyed homes and caused many people to evacuate, has blanketed the city in a thick smoke haze. Ash has even fallen in some suburbs.
Experts from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre – a powerhouse partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and Perth Children’s Hospital – have some advice to help reduce your family’s exposure to smoke and protect their lung health this week.
Physical health
Wal-yan Centre researcher Professor Graham Hall, who is also the co-head of The Kids Children’s Lung Health team, said exposure to smoke and polluted air posed serious health risks, particularly to children, pregnant women and those with existing heart and lung conditions.
“Children’s lungs are still developing and therefore are more sensitive to the microscopic particles that are in the air,” Professor Hall said.
Itchy eyes, sore throat, running nose and coughing are all signs of smoke irritation but children with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are at a greater risk because they will feel the effects more.
“Children with asthma are more likely to experience wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing while smoke is around, more than those who don’t,” Professor Hall said.
“Exposure to air pollution can also impact on the development of unborn babies. Pregnant women should consider ways to minimise their exposure to the smoke as much as possible.”
How you can protect your family
Wal-yan Centre researcher and The Kids Head of Respiratory Environmental Health Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe advised those in affected areas to avoid smoke exposure by staying indoors with the windows and doors closed and the air conditioner on recycle mode to reduce smoke coming into the house. He said in addition to poor air quality, the heat can also cause issues for people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, such as asthma.
He urged those that have a heart or lung condition who may have concerns or are experiencing increased symptoms to speak with their GP.
Here are his top tips to help reduce the health impact of smoke exposure:
- Children with a heart or lung condition, such as asthma, should follow the treatment plan and keep extra medication on hand.
- Even though during lockdown we are only allowed to exercise outdoors for one hour a day, limit outdoor exercise and activities during peak periods of air pollution. Exercising draws in more air to our lungs, and if the air is polluted it puts us at a greater risk.
- You may also want to consider wearing a face mask during peak periods of air pollution. While the surgical masks people are wearing to protect against COVID-19 do provide some protection from smoke, only P2/N95-rated face masks are designed to protect against smoke exposure. It’s worth noting that these specific masks are not designed to fit children.
Please remember when leaving your home, it is mandatory to wear a mask during lockdown. - Those with pre-existing conditions should take additional rest periods to allow the body to recover.
- While smoke can still penetrate inside the home, it’s still safer than being outdoors. You can create a cleaner environment by taking measures to block drafts, vents etc.
- If the air-conditioner is on, switch it to the recycle mode to reduce smoke coming inside.
For more advice, please refer to the following:
- For Asthma or COPD support, contact the Asthma WA Helpline: 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)
- For the latest bushfire advice, visit Emergency WA: emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13 DFES (13 33 37)
- If the matter is urgent, contact your GP or in an emergency call 000.