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Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality

Understanding air pollution and your lung health

Air pollution can affect everyone’s health. Outdoor air pollution is linked to health impacts and no level of air pollution is safe to breathe. Lung Foundation Australia is committed to working for clean air to support and protect lung health for all Australians. To learn more about air pollution, visit our resources.

Wood fire smoke

Bush fires remain a threat in Australia, occurring all year round. It is important people remain aware and vigilant of the risks to their lung health, and what they can do to protect themselves. People who have poor lung health should try to minimize their exposure to wood fire smoke and pollutants. Smoke and pollutants in the air can penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the airways causing symptoms in people with existing problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma to worsen, including wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Children, the elderly, those who smoke and people with pre-existing illnesses such as heart or lung conditions are more sensitive to breathing in fine particles from smoke.

Wood-burning heaters

Smoke from woodheaters can be a major source of air pollution in many parts of Australia and is a real and significant health hazard.

Where possible, people with poor lung health in areas affected by wood fire smoke should:

  • Avoid physical activity outdoors while smoke is in the area
  • Rest more frequently and keep away from the smoke where possible
  • Follow their action plans and treatment advised by their doctor and keep their medicines close to hand
  • Close windows and doors to minimise smoke in their home
  • Switch their air conditioner (if they have one) to recycle or recirculate
  • Have their emergency plan ready in the event of an evacuation or the loss of essential services (such as power loss) during bush fires

Check your air quality

Smoke and air quality information

The Bureau of Meteorology reports information about smoke haze on forecasts when this is expected to be significant.

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Air pollution and pregnancy

The patient information pamphlet discusses the effects of air pollution on women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and ways in which women can protect themselves and their babies.

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Click on the button to view Lung Foundation Australia’s Air Quality position paper.
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Share your Story to Support our Advocacy
You can share your voice and story to highlight the impacts of air pollution and advocate for cleaner air in Australia. The power of your individual voice helps make change. For example, you can speak to your community, local government, and politicians. Lung Foundation Australia advocates for clean air and lung health, to support our advocacy visit our website.
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