Inquiry Launched into Air Quality Impacts of Bushfire Smoke and Drought

Australian Greens

An NSW Parliamentary Committee will inquire into the health impacts of exposure to poor levels of air quality caused by bushfire smoke and drought, after Terms of Reference drafted by Greens MP and Health spokesperson Cate Faehrmann were agreed to yesterday.

The inquiry will investigate the effectiveness of the response of NSW Health to recent hazardous air quality levels including the provision of protective materials such as face masks and air purifiers, the adequacy of public information including ensuring the safety of at-risk groups.

“There are concerns that the government’s response to the bushfire smoke crisis was inadequate, specifically about whether enough was done to inform people about the risks of bushfire smoke and what to do to stay safe. That Inquiry will look into what more could be done,” said Ms Faehrmann

“We know that across the state there were shortages of P2 masks while emergency departments saw a spike in people presenting with respiratory issues. Clearly the government was unprepared.

“Long term exposure to bushfire smoke may have long-term negative impacts, however there is very little research in this area because it has never happened at this scale before.

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