Reducing the impact of smoke haze on your health

Kristy Celoni Articles

The smoke in Sydney is horrible at the moment. The eastern side of our state is on fire. I’m in Sutherland shire and there is ash falling from the sky and everything is an eerie shade of orange.

I feel so sad for the environmental impact these fires are having. Devastating effect on our koala population and other wildlife, loss of national parks, loss of live’s and homes. Unfortunately this is not the only impact the fires are having on us. Smoke is blanketing sydney and we need to take precautions in order to minimise the effect it has on our health. Bush fire smoke can increase impact on existing respiratory conditions but can also cause inflammation and irritation in healthy individuals.

I thought I would quickly write this up so that I can give you some tips on how to protect yourself during this time of high air pollution. 

  1. First of all – reduce vigorous exercise. I just drove past someone jogging! Bushfire smoke can be irritating to your lung tissue and small particles can actually enter your blood stream leading to inflammation.
  2. Stay indoors as much as possible.
  3. Wear a mask – best type of protective mask are the P2 mask according to SBS article below.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-disposable-p2-respirator-dust-mask-with-valve-3-pack_p1210576?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7sDapfWd5gIVQo-PCh1k9QVZEAQYAiABEgLdpfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/facilities-supplies/workplace-safety-equipment/personal-protective-equipment–ppe-/safety-masks-respirators/respiratory-masks

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/what-are-the-health-impacts-of-sydney-s-bushfire-smoke-and-do-face-masks-help

  1. Buy an air filter/ air purifier
  2. Keep windows and doors closed
  3. Stay hydrated in order to flush out toxins and decrease inflammation
  4. Keep track of Air Quality index

https://aqicn.org/map/sydney/

  1. My two children have terrible blocked sinuses so I’ve been using nasal rinses to help reduce the congestion. Uncomfortable at first but worth the relief they bring! 

https://carepharmaceuticals.com.au/brand/fess/

  1. There are certain supplements that have been shown to reduce impacts of pollution including Vitamin D, Vitamin C, omega 3s and curcumin just to name a few. Speak to a health professional before self prescribing.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5930792/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304416516305128

Lastly, thinking of all of the amazing fire fighters that are fighting these horrendous fires and those who are impacted not just by this smoke but the fire itself. It’s all so heartbreaking to watch.