Healthy-Air: Pollution advice for people with asthma

Aim

This project aims to synthesise, translate and disseminate the best available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of reduction measures on exposure to air pollution and health protection advice for people with asthma, with a particular focus on those socio-economically marginalised or disproportionally affected by the condition. The project incorporates extensive consumer engagement in the form of focus groups, roundtable discussions and interviews to understand the needs of people with asthma, including people from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, health professional and policy makers.


Background

Air pollution from bushfires, cars and wood heaters can trigger symptoms and distress in people with asthma. As highlighted by the 2019/20 bushfires, there remains a critical lack of accessible tools, resources and advice empowering people with asthma to effectively reduce their air pollution exposure.


Impact

This project will translate findings from available evidence and consumer engagement into accessible advice with practical steps for reducing air pollution exposure. The advice will be presented in a variety of formats to ensure people of Aboriginal and Arabic backgrounds; health professionals; and policy makers understand the effects of air pollution and to stimulate policy action for clean air. We will jointly create and disseminate factsheets, infographics, podcasts, mobile app, policy briefing, media articles, and an online course on air pollution and lung health. These resources will be culturally and/or linguistically adapted for Aboriginal and Arabic communities in bushfire prone regions to empower people with asthma to reduce their exposure.


Healthy Air - Fact sheet


Download the fact sheet HERE
Project Team
Prof
Sotiris Vardoulakis
University of Canberra
Prof
Fay Johnston
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
A/Prof
Veronica Matthews
University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney
Prof
Karima Laachir
Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, ANU
Prof
Bandana Saini
School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney
Dr
Penelope Jones
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
Dr
Ginny Sargent
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU
Dr
Nicolás Borchers Arriagada
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
Dr
Sharon Campbell
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
Dr
Erin Walsh
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU
Dr
Nigel Goodman
University of Canberra

Danielle Cameron
The University of Sydney

Morgan Brain
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
Partner organisations
Funder

We acknowledge the HEAL (Healthy Environments And Lives) National Research Network, which receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council Special Initiative in Human Health and Environmental Change (Grant No. 2008937).
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