Health effects of smoke haze

The current bushfire situation has brought much debate about climate change and our future. One aspect of this is the present and future effect of the smoke and ash on our health and the health of future generations.

A recent article from The Sydney Morning Herald has highlighted several facts including the worrying link between particulate debris in our airways and the development of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There is also evidence that residents of highly polluted cities have an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes.

The particulate matter pollution can damage human lung tissue and this is especially relevant for children. We do not have good long term studies to assess the impact on their learning, health and reproductive ability.

At present, the Federal Government in collaboration with the Australian Medical Association is working on the short and medium term medical response. No doubt there will be a longer term need to determine the impact of our ongoing poor air quality. Perhaps this will be the new ”normal” and therefore we need to know what it will mean for us all.

Please click on this link to access the original article by Dana McCauley

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