It is well known that bushfires generate high levels of
particulates of various sizes. Some of these particulates are less
than 1 mm which may present a significant hazard to human health.
While there have been studies on the relationship between the
particulate load from bushfires and the incidence of asthma, there
appear to have been no studies conducted on the organics and heavy
metals being transmitted via the particulates.
This project aims to test the hypotheses that:
- Particulates in bushfire smoke are no different from typical
urban particulates, and,
- That the amounts of organic and heavy metals adsorbed to the
particulates do not pose a threat to human health.
To meet these aims the following will be investigated:
- Typical bushfire/urban particle size range, adsorbed
contaminant type and concentration
- The effect of different fire fuels/conditions/firefighting
tasks on particle size range, adsorbed contaminant type and
concentration
- Relationship between particle size, contaminant type and
concentration
- The potential effects of particles on firefighter health
The project will provide significant new information on the
characterization of particulates generated from fires, under
varying burn conditions and varying fuel types. The results will
allow for a more robust assessment to be conducted into potential
fire fighter health risks, due to contaminated particulate exposure
at fire scenes.
In the longer term, dissemination of the projects results will
enhance Fire Authorities’ ability to clearly advise their
members, and the wider community, of their likely exposure and
risk
