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BREATHE Clinical trial

(BREATHE - Bushfire, Respiratory protection, Emphysema, bronchitis and Asthma Triggering Health Effects)

Bushfire smoke, asthma, lung disease and masks – BREATHE, a research study this summer

Do you have asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis?

Do you live in an area affected by bushfires or bushfire smoke?

Anyone with asthma or COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis) and who live in an area in Australia affected by bushfires or bushfire smoke, including metropolitan areas, may be eligible to be part of the study.

What are we studying?

The aim of this research is to determine whether the use of surgical masks and P2 masks protects people with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis from the effects of smoke exposure during bushfire season in Australia. We will compare exposure reduction methods, including surgical masks, P2 mask facemasks, and avoiding outdoor activities. There is no clinical efficacy data to support the choice and use of facemasks, P2 masks or staying indoors for protection against bushfire smoke. The Australian Medical Research Futures Fund has funded this study as part of an urgent call for research into the health effects of bushfires.

What will being in the study involve?

People who consent to be in the study will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: surgical masks, P2 masks or outdoor air avoidance. If allocated to a mask, they will need to wear a mask when exposed to bushfire smoke. They will be required to fill in a form at the start and the end of the study. Their health will be tracked during a maximum of 4 weeks around controlled backburning between August and November 2023 and through all of December 2023 and January 2024. A final period of follow up will occur from 1 April to 30 April 2024. Participants will receive air quality alerts as a trigger to wear their mask or avoid outdoor activities and fill in a short diary card each day. Masks will be posted to participants.

HOW TO WEAR MASK OR AVOID OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

HOW TO USE A P2 MASK
BROCHURE: How to use a P2 mask
HOW TO USE A SURGICAL MASK
BROCHURE: How to use a surgical mask
TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO AVOID OUTSIDE AIR
  • Whenever possible, stay out of the smoke
  • Stay indoors when practical and safe to do so (ie if smoke is due to bushfire) close all doors and windows
  • Keep cool in hot weather – use a fan or air conditioner (split system) and keep hydrated
  • Seal gaps under doors or around windows and wall vents with towels, blankets or plastic
  • Avoid other sources of indoor air pollution (such as smoking, burning candles, using woodstoves, or stirring up fine dust by sweeping or vacuuming)
  • Take the opportunity during breaks in smoky conditions to air out homes to improve indoor air quality
  • When safe to do so, take air-conditioned breaks at a local community library, shopping centre or respite centre under circumstances where homes become too smoky or hot to be comfortable.

WHEN TO WEAR MASK OR AVOID OUTSIDE AIR

When the quality of air is less than fair, during the study, you are asked to wear a mask or avoid outdoor air exposure.You can assess the quality of air using any one of the following five ways.

1. AIR QUALITY INDEX

Air Quality Index (AQI), is a measure of air pollution). Common air pollutants are measured by difference services in each State and Territory. See the links below for air quality information in your area. A reading of poor or worse (poor, very poor or hazardous) will require you to wear the mask or avoid outdoor exposure.

Find more information here
Download an air quality app
2. FIRE SERVICES BUSH FIRE ALERTS
Photo by Kollinger, Pixabay

Wear a mask or avoid outdoor exposure when a fire warning is issued, open the links below to find information about fire warnings in your area.

3. SMOKE ALERT FROM BACKBURNING

Wear a mask or avoid outdoor exposure when when a smoke alert is issued. See links below for smoke alerts in your area

4. USING A VISUAL CUE FOR SMOKE

In areas that do not have AQI monitors, participants will be able to use a visual assessment of smoke using the Victorian Community Smoke Standard visual air quality assessment guidelines

Click here to read the Victorian Community Smoke Standard visual air quality assessment guidelines.
5. SELF OBSERVATION

Wear your mask or void outdoor exposure if you judge the air quality to be poor.

Frequently asked questions

Q and A

Information for physicians

Find information for doctors here

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Credits:

Created with an image by Kollinger - "fire corona coronavirus"