Smoke exposure from intense fires linked to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular disease

Researchers have compared the hospital records of people who lived near the Hazelwood coalmine in the Latrobe Valley from before and after the 2014 fire. Photograph: Keith Pakenham/CFA via AAP

Just a few weeks of exposure to the smoke from an intense fire has years-long respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, according to new research that sheds light on the possible long-term effects of bushfires.

Researchers studying the aftermath of the 2014 Hazelwood coalmine fire have linked exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in smoke to an increased risk over the following five years of needing to visit an emergency department for respiratory problems.