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As winter approaches, Asthma Australia is calling on governments to take stronger, coordinated action to reduce harmful impacts of woodfire heater smoke and protect the respiratory health of Australian communities.
Asthma Australia CEO, Ms Kate Miranda, said, “Woodfire smoke remains a significant and preventable trigger for asthma and other respiratory conditions. This is not an unavoidable seasonal issue. It is a preventable health risk that governments can and should act on.”
Ms Miranda said woodfire heater smoke impacts our health, which is driven by the release of harmful pollutants into the air.
“Woodfire heater smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. Because these particles are tiny, they easily travel deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream, where they can affect the whole body,” Ms Miranda said.
“We know there is no safe level of exposure to PM2.5. For people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, woodfire smoke can mean more frequent symptoms, worsening flare-ups, and in some cases hospitalisation.”
Ms Miranda said there is a need for greater community awareness of the health risks associated with woodfire heating – including how to manage asthma flare ups, alongside practical support to help households transition to cleaner heating alternatives.
“We want people to understand that woodfire smoke doesn’t just affect the household using it – it impacts neighbours and entire communities.
“Asthma Australia can support people with asthma to prepare for, manage and reduce exposure to smoke from wood heaters and other air pollution sources,” she said.
Asthma Australia’s Asthma Triggers page provides advice on developing an Asthma Action Plan, ensuring access to appropriate medications, and maintaining up-to-date Asthma First Aid knowledge. It also suggests tools to monitor air quality so people can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and better manage their asthma during periods of poor air quality.
Ms Miranda said, “Many Australians are doing it tough right now, and switching to alternative heating isn’t always easy or affordable. That’s why government support is essential to help people transition away from woodfire heaters in a way that is fair and achievable.
“Programs in some jurisdictions and communities are setting strong examples of how governments can support people to make the switch. The Wood Heater Removal Program in the ACT and the draft Launceston Domestic Woodfire Smoke Plan, for example, provide practical and financial assistance, give households time to adapt and help people understand the impact of woodfire smoke in their communities.
“But governments can do more. We need a nationally coordinated approach so all Australians, regardless of where they live, are supported to transition to cleaner heating options. A national plan would give certainty, consistency and fairness, and most importantly, it would help protect the health of communities across Australia,” she said.
“Everyone deserves to breathe clean air, and no one’s health should suffer because of preventable air pollution.”
ENDS
For more information:
Contact CEO, Kate Miranda, 0491 137 548
ABOUT
Asthma Australia is the nation’s peak body representing nearly 2.8 million Australians living with asthma. Our work is grounded in evidence and informed by the lived experience of people with asthma. Our programs reflect a commitment to outcomes-focused, equity-driven reform, integrating community insight and clinical expertise to strengthen person centred asthma care.
