Respiratory expert says last week’s prescribed burns put air quality at ‘extreme’ levels in the South West.

A series of prescribed burns by both the Parks and Wildlife Service and private residents last week put South West air quality at an extreme level and was enough to close Forrest Highway, but could also be extremely harmful for people who are particularly vulnerable. As thousands travelled back to Perth after the Anzac Day long weekend last Monday, poor visibility as a result of the smoke forced police to close part of Forrest Highway for more than an hour after four crashes that resulted in minor injuries. The police COVID-19 checkpoint on the highway also had to be halted for a number of hours because of the haze. Curtin University respiratory expert John Blakey said people living with respiratory conditions were most at risk of being affected by the smoke. “The major problem with the smoke is the small soot particles as they cause inflammation and damage to the airways,” he said. “People who already have narrowed or inflamed airways, such as people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are therefore at highest risk of harm. “There are around 500 extra emergency hospital visits each year in these groups because of bushfire smoke. “The ‘extreme’ level seen in Bunbury and Busselton meant that the level of at least one pollutant was at least twice the government-set acceptable level.” Dr Blakey urged people in the South West with asthma to continue using their inhaler. “If possible, the mask should carry a P2 or N95 label,” he said. “It is incredibly important for people with asthma to take their preventer inhaler even when they feel well. “Almost everyone with asthma should be on a regular preventer, just using salbutamol (Ventolin/Asmol), is not safe.” In advice to the public last week, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA said the public should “shut doors and windows and turn off air-conditioners”.