Providing evidence to guide public health messages during bushfire smoke events

Globally, an increased number of major bushfire events are occurring. Smoke from bushfires and hazard-reducing burns (HRB), collectively known as bushfire smoke (BFS), is toxic and poses a significant threat to human health. This project will gather data on the pollutant profile in smoke from various vegetation sources, explore how much smoke penetrates homes, and what health effects result from exposure.

This study uses novel methods to collect environmental, occupational, and household exposure measurements before, during, and after bushfire smoke events. We work with a range of stakeholders and perform fieldwork to gather vital data on exposure to smoke and the biological health effects of that exposure. We anticipate that the results will inform more effective public health advice.

The Children’s Health and Environment Program (CHEP) is part of the Child Health Research Centre at The University of Queensland. Led by Professor Peter Sly, CHEP aims to address the impact of environmental exposures on child health through a holistic approach to environmental health research and policy reform. Our research focuses on understanding early life mechanisms of disease and improving risk assessment for environmental exposures. We work to delay or prevent lung disease, improve its clinical management, and halt its progression as children transition to adulthood. Our research spans a continuum from basic science, longitudinal cohort studies, clinical trials, and translation of findings into clinical practice.

This is a broad project that uses drones with specialized air monitoring equipment for environmental samples, fieldwork to collect clinical samples, measures lung function via TremoFlo devices, assesses air quality using low-cost sensors, and performs data analysis to understand the impact of BFS on health.