Queensland bushfire smoke approximately three times more frequent in cities, study finds
Research shows bushfire-impacted hours in Queensland cities tripled between 2018-23 compared with the previous decade.
A Queensland University of Technology study tracked air quality at 22 urban sites across the state from 2008 to 2023 and found the problem is far worse than previously understood. Bushfire smoke can spike fine particle pollution by up to 160 per cent during a fire event.
Ozone levels jump by up to 33 per cent during fire season. Smoke and emissions travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, hitting cities nowhere near the actual fires.
Climate change and longer heatwaves are making bushfires burn longer and fiercer. The tiny particles, called PM2.5, lodge deep in the lungs and bloodstream, linked to respiratory and heart problems.
- 22 urban sites across Queensland
- Monitoring sites
- 2008 to 2023
- Study period
- Up to 160.5 per cent
- PM2.5 spike during fire
Why it mattersUrban Australians face rising air quality risks even when fires are far away, with health impacts growing as bushfire seasons intensify.
AustraliaMillions of Queenslanders in cities face worsening air quality during fire season, increasing pressure on hospitals and forcing vulnerable people like those with asthma to take precautions.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
