Thick smoke blanketing Huon Valley hampering fire fight

UPDATED: Air pollution from bushfires burning in the state’s south remains at extremely high levels, prompting further warnings from health authorities.

AIR pollution from bushfires burning in the state’s south remains at extremely high levels, prompting further warnings from health authorities.

The smoke hampered visibility and even hindered the operation of firefighting aircraft.

Tasmania’s Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said bushfire smoke was just as harmful to human health as other forms of air pollution.

“The smoke that comes from bushfires can do the same sort of harm to people’s health as the smoke that comes from combustible wood fires that we often use in Tasmania and also from other forms of pollution,” he said.

“So the fact that it is from bushfire in no way diminishes the risk to health that it poses.”

At Cygnet on Tuesday morning, the levels of PM10 particles in the air — 10 micrometres or less — was at 958 micrograms per cubic metre, while the level of PM2.5 particles was 873

micrograms per cubic metre.

At Geeveston, the PM10 levels were 727 and PM2.5 levels 681, while at Judbury they were 353 and 305.

Dr Veitch said people had been feeling the effects of the smoke.

“We have been in contact with health services and general practitioners around the Huon Valley today and they do report that they’ve seen a slight increase in people with mostly minor respiratory illnesses and an increase in demand at pharmacies to get Ventolin and puffers for asthma and that’s a good sign if people are taking those preparatory actions to prevent getting sick.”

Dr Veitch said it was hard to tell whether the smoke could lead to an increase in hospitalisations or even premature deaths.

“It’s very difficult to measure deaths in a small area over a relatively short period of time.

“But certainly it is possible that there can be a small increase in serious complications of medical conditions and hospitalisation due to chronic conditions such as heart and vascular disease and respiratory disease during prolonged smoky periods.”

The Tasmania Fire Service posted a warning on its Facebook page on Tuesday morning.

“An atmospheric inversion layer is currently trapping bushfire smoke and fog down low across much of Tasmania. This also makes it difficult for aircraft to operate,” it said.

“Hopefully, that inversion layer will lift, allowing the smoke to disperse later this morning.

“You should expect smoke levels to fluctuate this week as wind directions change and fire activity increases.”

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the health risks posed by smoke were well-known.

“Pregnant women, infants and children, elderly persons, smokers, and people with chronic medical conditions – especially lung and heart conditions – are more sensitive to the effects of smoke,” he said.

“It is important for persons at risk from smoke to have a management plan with their GP for exacerbations of their medical condition such as asthma, and for them to know when to use their plan.”

Bushfire smoke shrouding the Huon Valley. Picture: DAVID KILLICK

The Health Department advises people in smoke-affected areas to:

•Avoid physical activity outdoors when it is smoky.

•Stay indoors with windows and doors closed where possible.

•If using an air conditioner, switch it to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’.

•Consider visiting family or friends or a shopping centre if your home gets too hot for comfort or a lot of smoke from the outside gets in.

•If there is a break in smoky conditions, open the windows and air out your home.

•Get immediate medical advice if you experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties or chest pain.

•Get real-time air quality information for your area on the EPA BLANKET website, or by downloading the AirRater app and subscribing to alerts.