Air Quality and Breathing During Bushfires

What bushfire smoke means

Bushfire smoke contains a mix of gases and very fine particles that you breathe into your lungs. The smallest particles can travel deep into the airways and often leave you feeling irritated, tight-chested, or generally unwell. Smoke can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. How it affects you changes from day to day because smoke levels shift with wind, weather, and fire activity.

Why air quality matters for daily comfort

Air quality influences breathing comfort, sleep, concentration, and your ability to go about normal activities. People with asthma or other long-term lung or heart conditions often notice smoke sooner, but anyone can feel its effects. Irritation usually builds with longer exposure and with time spent outdoors, particularly during dry, windy conditions.

Limiting exposure in practical ways

Reducing time in smoky outdoor air often lowers irritation. Many people also benefit from keeping indoor air as clean as possible by limiting smoke entry and avoiding added indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke, incense, candles, wood heaters, and strong chemical fumes. These steps focus on improving the environment around you rather than trying to “push through” symptoms.

Making indoor air cleaner

Small changes can improve indoor air quality. Keeping windows and doors closed during heavy smoke helps reduce drift indoors. Reverse-cycle or ducted air conditioning set to recirculate limits outdoor air intake, while evaporative coolers draw smoke inside and are best avoided during smoke events. Portable air cleaners with certified HEPA filters can reduce fine particles in a single room when sized correctly. When outdoor air improves, ventilating the home helps clear residual smoke.

Using reliable air-quality updates

Smoke is difficult to judge by smell or visibility alone. Local air-quality reports and health alerts provide clearer guidance on when air is more polluted and when it improves. These updates support safer planning for work, school, exercise, and travel. In Australia, commonly used sources include state environmental protection agencies and apps such as AirRater, which combine monitoring data with health advice.

Masks and breathing comfort

If you must spend time outdoors during smoke events, a well-fitted P2 or N95 respirator filters fine particles more effectively than cloth or surgical masks. Fit matters, because gaps around the nose or cheeks reduce protection. Masks can feel uncomfortable or increase breathlessness for some people, particularly in heat, so suitability varies and is worth discussing if you have existing health conditions.

Supporting comfort day to day

Staying hydrated can soothe throat irritation. Limiting strenuous outdoor activity reduces how much smoke you inhale. Gentle eye care, such as lubricating drops, may ease irritation. People with asthma or other lung conditions benefit from following their usual action plans and keeping medications accessible during smoke seasons.

When to speak with your GP

A conversation with your GP is useful if bushfire smoke disrupts your breathing comfort, sleep, or usual activities. This is especially important if you have asthma, other lung or heart conditions, are pregnant, older, or caring for a young child. Your GP can help you understand your personal risk and plan practical strategies for future smoke periods.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.