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

Scientists studying 2014 Hazelwood coalmine fire say breathing in tiny particles in smoke is linked to increased emergency presentations

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Just a few weeks of exposure to the smoke from an intense fire has years-long respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, according to new research which 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.

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