“Trapped in their homes” – new Lung Foundation Australia data has exposed increasing impacts of heatwaves and air pollution on the one-in-three Australians living with lung disease or lung cancer.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the nation’s peak lung health body was increasingly concerned at the measures people were having to take to simply breathe as heatwaves, air pollution and climate related imposts were laid bare by the organisation.
“Our survey found almost 60 per cent of people living with a lung disease have had to use medication purely because of air quality issues, 11 per cent have had to get to the emergency room and 9 per cent were admitted to hospital,” Mr Brooke said.
“Lung Foundation Australia believe everyone has the right to breathe clean air and should be supported to do so.
“We continue to advocate for the adoption of WHO air quality guidelines, and for policies and programs that protect lung health.”
“I’m unable to do my job. Teaching includes supervision of students outdoors in lunch time and fires or uncontrolled burns stop me from being able to go outside or miss the day’s work. When I have attended work, I ended up in hospital on oxygen.” – Lung Foundation Australia survey respondent.
The survey found the top four climate issues impacting the one-in-three Australians living with lung disease were; heatwaves (55 per cent), smoke from controlled burns (59 per cent), bushfire smoke (61 per cent), and traffic emissions (57 per cent).
“A staggering 95 per cent of respondents are demanding the government to develop a strategy with clear actions to reduce the level of air pollution and protect lung health,” Mr Brooke said.
Mr Brooke said air pollution is a mixture of fine particles and toxic gases released into the air.
When breathed in, these particles (which can include ultrafine particulate matter known as PM2.5) can go deep into the lungs, enter the blood and travel throughout the body.
“The evidence is clear that exposure to air pollution has both short-term and long-term impacts on health and for people living with any kind of lung condition, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, small elevations in PM2.5 can make symptoms much worse.
“Exposure to air pollution for anyone in the community is concerning as we know it causes harm whether an underlying condition is present or not.”
Poor air quality can also seriously affect people with heart disease, heart failure or a previous stroke. Air pollution breathed repeatedly over months and years increases the development of all these diseases, and day to day spikes can trigger serious complications.
“I rarely leave my home anymore for fear of poor air quality days, which cause me to have anxiety, fear and stress. My quality of life has greatly reduced. I no longer participate in outdoor events and gatherings or exercise due to fear of an attack and not being able to get my breath and suffocating.” – Lung Foundation Australia survey respondent.
For the 1 in 3 people living with lung health issues, it is important to work out a clear plan with your doctor for rapidly detecting and responding to any deterioration in symptoms.
Your plan should involve identifying and accessing cleaner air spaces – this can partially be achieved through closing doors and windows to minimise leakage into the house, visiting indoor community spaces like libraries, or considering other indoor air quality purification like HEPA filters.
If you’re in an area which is particularly affected, where possible you should:
- Avoid physical activity outdoors (consider indoor activities instead)
- Rest more frequently
- Follow your action plan and treatment advised by your doctor and keep your medicines close at hand
- Close windows and doors to minimise outside air coming into your home
- Switch your air conditioner (if you have one) to recycle or recirculate mode
- Check the expiry dates and the supply of your commonly used medicines.
- Have your emergency plan ready in the event of an evacuation or the loss of essential services (such as power loss) during bush fires or major storms.
For more information, access Lung Foundation Australia’s air pollution fact sheet here: Indoor & Outdoor Air Quality – Lung Foundation Australia
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist Anna Hilton
0408 191 192