Smoke and Fire Exposure — Health Effects and How to Reduce Risk
Why smoke exposure matters
Smoke from bushfires, grassfires, planned burns, and structural fires contains a mixture of fine particles and gases that irritate the airways and affect the whole body. Even when fires are distant, smoke can travel long distances and linger for days. Repeated or prolonged exposure can affect both short-term wellbeing and longer-term health, particularly during severe fire seasons.
How smoke affects the body
Fine particles in smoke are small enough to reach deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Many people experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Smoke exposure can worsen asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Some people also notice sleep disturbance, anxiety, or reduced exercise tolerance during smoky periods.
Who is most vulnerable
Health effects vary widely. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease are more sensitive to smoke. People who work outdoors, exercise vigorously, or lack access to filtered indoor spaces may experience higher exposure. Vulnerability is influenced by duration of exposure, smoke intensity, and individual health factors.
What individuals can do to reduce exposure
During smoky conditions, practical steps help reduce risk. Staying indoors with windows and doors closed, reducing strenuous outdoor activity, and using air conditioning or air cleaners where available can lower exposure. Wearing a properly fitted particulate mask may help in some situations, though masks are not suitable for everyone. Monitoring symptoms and adjusting daily routines supports safer decision-making.
Community-level actions that matter
Community planning plays a major role in protecting health. Clear public health messaging, access to clean-air community spaces, support for vulnerable groups, and coordination between health, emergency, and environmental services reduce overall harm. Preparedness plans, early warnings, and practical guidance help communities respond more effectively during prolonged smoke events.
When to seek medical advice
Seek medical review if smoke exposure triggers worsening breathlessness, chest pain, severe cough, wheeze, dizziness, palpitations, or if symptoms do not improve when exposure reduces. People with existing heart or lung disease should seek advice early if symptoms change. Emergency care is needed for severe breathing difficulty or chest pain.
How your GP can help
Your GP can help you plan for smoke events based on your health history, adjust management plans for chronic conditions, review medicines if needed, and advise on safe activity levels during smoky periods. Personalised guidance supports safer choices for you and your family.
Smoke exposure is a shared environmental challenge. Individual actions and community planning together reduce health impacts and support resilience.
This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.