Hazard reduction burns and air quality in residential homes
The study
Hazard reduction burns (prescribed burns) are an important tool in managing bushfire risk, but the smoke associated with burns leads to local air pollution and causes community concerns. Despite these concerns, very little is known about the penetration of smoke into homes and the potential for health risks to residents. This study aims to answer the following questions:
- Does household air quality worsen during prescribed burns?
- Do prescribed burns lead to the presence of environmentally persistent free radicals in homes?
- Is exposure to particulates from prescribed burns associated with changes in respiratory health and oxidative stress biomarkers?
- What household characteristics influence the penetration of air pollutants into indoor air?
Homes in Brisbane located nearby to bushland areas undergoing prescribed burns will be monitored, and the respiratory health of children and adults residing in the home will be assessed before, during and after the prescribed burn.
Participants
We are seeking households in Brisbane living near bushland or urban green spaces to participate in a household monitoring study of air quality during hazard reduction burns. We will assess whether your home in close to a planned Brisbane City Council burn, and add interested homes to our participant register. You do not need to agree to participate until the burn is due to start. We will keep all our interested participants updated through a newsletter.
How you can help
If you are interested in learning more about the study and having the team assess whether your home will be near a prescribed burn you can register below: