Bushfire smoke can affect people's health and it is important for everyone to reduce exposure.
Visit Health NSW - Bushfire to find out about:
- protecting yourself from bushfire smoke
- returning home safely
- medications and prescriptions
- support services
- illness and injury from bushfire
- information for child care centres and parents
- advice for general practitioners
See Understanding air quality data to learn about air quality information, what air quality categories are, how they are calculated and how you should use them to protect your health.
Find your local air quality data readings.
Steps to reduce risk from bushfire smoke
When it’s smoky, everyone should:
- Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your asthma management plan if you have one. Keep your medication close at hand. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen.
- Reduce or avoid vigorous outdoor activity see activity guide below.
- Spend more time indoors. Keep doors and windows shut to keep the smoke out. Open windows and doors whenever the smoke clears.
- Spend time in air conditioned venues like cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.
- Avoid indoor sources of air pollution like cigarettes, candles and incense sticks.
If your child has diagnosed asthma:
- Have an up to date Asthma Action Plan. Seek review with your child’s GP to assess their current asthma management.
- Check your child’s reliever medication and spacer is up-to-date and accessible by a responsible adult.
- Provide written asthma first aid instructions, completed by your child’s GP, to their preschool, childcare centre or school.
- Visit the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network’s Aiming for Asthma Improvement in Children website which includes a Good asthma control checklist.
- Free asthma helpline: If you need information specific to people with asthma, visit the Asthma Australia website to access their free helpline.
Information for sensitive groups
Some people may be more sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive groups include people with lung disease or heart disease, children, older adults, pregnant women.
If you need information specific to people with asthma, visit the Asthma Australia website to access their free helpline.
Anyone with persistent symptoms should seek medical advice or call Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222