Managing health impacts from bushfire smoke

The bushfires burning in Victoria are impacting air quality in many parts of the state. The prevailing weather will have an effect on smoke concentrations and their duration.

EPA is monitoring air quality using its stationary and mobile monitoring stations and publishing them as soon as possible to the EPA website at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality(opens in a new window)

Air quality updates will also be given through social media.

The best smoke detector is your nose and if you can smell smoke there is always a health risk, especially for sensitive Victorians including those with existing respiratory or other health issues.

If you are experiencing health issues from the fires or smoke, call Triple Zero for an ambulance if you or anyone in your care has trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort or tightness in the chest.

Smoke can cause short-term discomfort. In healthy adults, once you leave the smoky area, symptoms in your eyes, nose and throat (coughing) usually go away.  

If you can, minimise the time you spend in smoky conditions, reduce outdoor physical activity, use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter if you have access to one, use a P2 or N95 mask when outdoors.

You can prepare your home before a smoke event by identifying any gaps and sealing these where possible. If sealing gaps is not possible, wet towels can be used to cover gaps when there is smoke outside.  

Switch air-conditioners to recirculate or reuse air. If they do not have that function, turn them off completely if the temperature inside the home is tolerable. Avoid use of evaporative coolers as it draws external air into the house. Further information: Using air conditioners when it’s smoky outside.(opens in a new window) 

 If you or a family member has a heart or lung condition or asthma, always make sure there is enough medication on hand to last at least 5 days.  

 Find out about indoor air cleaners or face masks. They can help with reducing smoke exposure. For more information go to Bushfires and public health and Portable air cleaners with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter(opens in a new window)  

Your pets can also be affected by smoke so, if possible, keep pets indoors with clean water and food. Move bedding inside. More advice is available at:

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pets-and-emergencies/care-of-pets-exposed-to-smoke-and-ash(opens in a new window)