Australian landmarks light up in blue and join global campaign to raise awareness for pulmonary fibrosis

As Australia joins other nations around the world to mark Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September, Lung Foundation Australia will ‘Light Up in Blue’ landmarks across Australia.  

This year, Australias will see landmarks across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Light Up in Blue from September 25. 

Australia will join communities across the world in lighting up local landmarks, as part of the international #BlueUp4PF hashtag designed to raise awareness about pulmonary fibrosis and its effects. 

• Brisbane – Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Wickham Terrace Car Park, Breakfast Creek Bridge, the Reddacliff Place sculptures, King George Square, City Hall 

• WA – all Main Rd bridges and assets 

• Melbourne – Bolte Bridge, SoundTube  

• Adelaide – Parliament House 

• Sydney – Westconnex Sydney  

Almost 1 million Australians are currently living with pulmonary fibrosis.    

A new study by Australian researchers found that living within 100 metres from a main road is linked to faster lung function decline in people with pulmonary fibrosis.  

Professor Andrew Palmer from the Menzies Institute at the University of Tasmania said this study is one of the first to quantify the impact of air pollution on disease progression among people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Australia.  

“These findings shed light on the importance of environmental legislation and community-led education to improve the lives of people with pulmonary fibrosis,” said Professor Palmer.   

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke emphasised that pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable, progressive disease that causes lung tissue to thicken and scar, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.  

“Pulmonary fibrosis is a very serious disease, there are many causes and for some people the origin is unknown. Every year the number of people diagnosed increases. Right now, there’s no cure however a proper treatment regime can help slow the disease and improve life for those with pulmonary fibrosis,” Mr Brooke said.  

Chief Investigator at the Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis Professor Tamera Corte said Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month was a reminder of the vital research underway to enhance and extend the lives of people living with this disease.  

“Every day, across the country, clinicians and researchers are collaborating to advance our strategies for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Through translating our research findings into best practice care we are working to improve patient’s lives,” said Professor Corte.  

For media enquiries please contact: 

Deirdre McGinn (on behalf of Lung Foundation Australia) 

0411 208 408 

deirdre@sabio.com.au