20/12/24 at 12:12pm AEST – Warning: Bushfires are present within Grampians National Park – Yarram Gap Road. Prepare to leave. If smoke is a trigger for your asthma, call our FREE 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) service and speak with an Asthma Educator. Note 1800 ASTHMA service closed from Tuesday 24th December at 5pm reopening on Thursday 2nd January at 9am.

Book a call with an asthma educator

Bushfire, woodfire and wood heater smoke are types of air pollution. They contain a range of pollutants that can be breathed deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of breathlessness, wheeze, cough and dry or irritated throat. Smoke from bushfires, woodfires and wood heaters can lead to increased unplanned asthma-related hospital admissions, increased medicine use, increased anxiety and a decrease in daily activities.

Bushfire (including hazard reduction burns), woodfire and wood heater smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These particles are tiny in size and when inhaled can go deep into your lungs, causing inflammation (redness and swelling). The particles can also enter your bloodstream, which can affect other parts of the body like the heart and immune systems.

Bushfire, woodfire and wood heater smoke is harmful to those who live with lung diseases as well as those who live with other long-term illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. People over 65 or under 5 or who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable to adverse health effects caused by smoke.

BUSHFIRE SMOKE ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA?

Before bushfire season:

• Take your preventer inhaler as prescribed. If you have asthma and don’t currently use a preventer discuss this with your doctor.
• Make sure you have an updated Asthma Action Plan on hand. If you don’t have an Asthma Action Plan, book an Asthma Review with your doctor.
• Refresh your Asthma First Aid knowledge, including how to use reliever medicines in an emergency and when to call Triple Zero (000).
• Have an asthma medicine plan: make sure your medicines are in date and make sure you have a 30-day supply in case of emergencies or evacuations.
• Keep your medicines in a central place for easy access.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows.

When air quality is reduced due to bushfire smoke:

• Stay indoors and close doors and windows to help protect yourself during short episodes of outdoor smoke.
• Check local air quality using a trusted app like AirSmart or a government website.
• Use a HEPA air purifier indoors.
• Avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is below a ‘good’ rating.
• Wear a fitted P2/N95 rated face mask outdoors and indoors if needed.
• Consider visiting a public place with cleaner air like a library or shopping centre.
• If you are in a bushfire zone, prepare and follow your bushfire plan.

View Bushfire Fact Sheet

Wood heating

Are woodfire heaters or fire pits triggering your or your family’s asthma? We’ve created a friendly and informative flyer and social media graphic for you to download and use, so you can help others understand the dangers of smoke. Download the flyer and social tile below.

View Flyer	Download Image

Asthma Educators can answer your asthma questions

Book a FREE phone call at a time that works for you or call us direct on 1800ASTHMA (1800 278 462).

DOWNLOAD THE AIRSMART APP

The AirSmart App provides live air quality information so that you can change your plans if pollution levels are high. If you have asthma, this app is especially useful to plan your day or understand why you might be getting symptoms. AirSmart is an initiative of Asthma Australia.

Download AirSmart