Public health messages and exposure to smoke from bushfires and planned burns
About the study
The aim of the study is to investigate how different forms of intervention (like staying indoors, using air conditioners and air filters) impact on the indoor air quality during smoke episodes, and how this relates to changes in respiratory health. There is limited information available on the effectiveness of any of these measures and this proposal is aiming to address this gap in knowledge by doing a prospective pilot study.
Why participate?
There will be no direct benefit to you, but your participation is very important. Exposure to smoke associated with both planned and unplanned fires is a frequent experience in many Australian communities, but there has not been much research about the impacts of smoke exposure on community health. The results will inform the community, land managers and health professionals of any preventive measures required to be undertaken during the planned burning period.
Who can participate in the study?
Community dwelling adults who live within areas targetted for planned burning during the 2015 autumn season are invited to participate.
What is involved?
The study will involve the following:
- Measurements of exposure to air pollution: Exposure to fine particles (< 2.5 thousandths of one mm in diameter) indoors and outdoors. Participants will be invited to have air pollution monitors placed inside and outside their homes during the study period. The monitoring will be conducted over a period of approximately one week at each participant’s house.
- A questionnaire which will include questions regarding your age, gender, employment status, height & weight, education level, exposure to pollutants from tobacco smoking, home heating and cooking and any lung diseases etc.
- A daily diary which will be started about a week prior to burning until two weeks after the burning has finished. We would like you to record information on daily symptoms, medications, and use of health services during the planned burning period.
- Lung function testing morning and evening for the duration of study period. This involves filling your lungs and blowing into a portable machine (PiKO6) to measure your lung capacity.
Researchers and study team
Dr Martine Dennekamp · Dr Fay Johnston · Dr Christine Cowie ·
Dr Fabienne Reisen · Mr David O'Keeffe
Contact
To register your interest in participating in the study or if you have a question, please contact the study team on our free call number 1800 200 262 or email bushfires@monash.edu.