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Bushfires (or wildfires) have the potential to cause a number of severe health concerns, beyond the immediate damage caused by the fire. This includes the decrease of the air quality standard and the increase of the most dangerous component of bushfire smoke, known as Particulate Matter 2.5. Even though the particulates are small, the effect they have on the body is large, and can cause both immediate and long-term health impacts. Children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly are identified to be more at risk.

Standard
Air pollution is a major risk to a person's health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 stated that 9 out of 10 residents in the Western Pacific Region, breathe in high levels of toxic air every day. Carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead and particles all contribute to harmful air quality. 

The Air Quality Index which takes into account every particle and liquid droplet in the atmosphere, is measured by Particulate Matter (PM).  

During a bushfire, substantial quantities of PM2.5 is released into the air. The particle is made up of components including nitrates, sulphates, organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, and allergens. PM2.5 is so small it can only been seen using an electron microscope. It can travel for hundreds of kilometres and linger in the atmosphere for some time after, even if the fire is out. Exposure to PM2.5 over long periods of time, has detrimental short term and long term health impacts.

Irritated Eyes
When bushfire smoke haze containing dust, fumes and PM2.5 comes into contact with eyes, it can irritate them, causing the eyes to become itchy, watery, red or have a burning sensation. People who are most at risk include those with pre-existing eye conditions, wear contact lens, older people and those who have been exposed to intense smoke for a longer period of time.

Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be triggered when the brain doesn't receive sufficient clean oxygen due to the hazardous air quality produced by a bushfire. Nausea, dizziness, weakness and in the extreme cases seizures is also common with bushfire smoke exposure.

Irritated Throat and Breathing Difficulties
Breathing in air that has been contaminated with PM2.5 affects the larynx (throat), trachea (windpipe) and the lungs. The small particulates make it difficult to breathe as it causes the airways to become narrow and spasm.

To remove the foreign particles, the body reacts by

Respiratory conditions
Exposure to the tiny PM2.5 particles in the air over a long period of time, can lead to long term breathing difficulties and Respiratory disease.

Irritated sinuses can also occur which causes a large secretion of mucus, sinus pain, runny nose, congested nasal passageways and facial pain around the eye.

Those who already experience respiratory conditions such as asthma, are more at risk of experiencing a flare-up with toxic smoke exposure.

There is no medical cure for respiratory conditions, however there are some treatment options for symptoms including oxygen and antibiotics.

Heart Disease
Heart Disease, otherwise known as Cardiovascular Disease, describes a number of heart-related conditions that includes coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, arrhythmia and heart attack. Bushfire smoke can make its way into the bloodstream and can provoke blood vessels to become inflamed, which in turn can induce high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, heart failure or heart attacks if they become blood clots. This is especially of concern for those who have exisiting heart conditions and are exposed to bushfire smoke.

New research has found that

Cancer
The lung damage from the exposure to the complex mixture of gases and particles in the air caused by bushfires, could also contribute to lung cancer. Although findings are not conclusive, studies have shown especially with first responders, firefighters, that this disease is prevalent amongst them compared to populations who aren't exposed to smoke.

Diabetes
A serious condition known as diabetes, is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce or process blood sugar. Air pollution has been linked to increase blood sugar (glucose levels), insulin resistance and type 2 Diabetes. The evidence which is limited suggests that the particulate matter from bushfire smoke gives rise to the decrease of glucose tolerance, which can lead to the risk of developing diabetes.

Burn

Psychological
Physiological trauma can also be experienced by individuals who have been affected by a bushfire. The range of emotions, feelings, anxiety, fear and stress is the body's reaction to the experience of a huge disaster. Symptoms of mental impacts include distress, constant panic, depression, anger, drug use, increased or decreased sleep, illogical thoughts, poor concentration, and increased or decreased appetite. The mental health impact of a bushfire may not present straight away. PTSD (post-traumatic stress order) is the most common negative psychological consequence is long-lasting, however can be treated.

Mortality
pre mature death

High Risk Groups
Those most as risk to suffer the effects of bushfire smoke include :


 * children
 * pregnant woman
 * older people
 * people with disabilities