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van der Kruk SR, Gunn KM. 'It sort of broke me': A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire-affected farmers. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:299-310. [PMID: 38407355 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities. OBJECTIVE To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires. DESIGN In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales. FINDINGS Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen R van der Kruk
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate M Gunn
- IIMPACT in Health, Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Cope HR, McArthur C, Gray R, Newsome TM, Dickman CR, Sriram A, Haering R, Herbert CA. Trends in Rescue and Rehabilitation of Marsupials Surviving the Australian 2019-2020 Bushfires. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1019. [PMID: 38612258 PMCID: PMC11011103 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season had a devastating impact on native wildlife. It was estimated that 3 billion native animals were impacted by the fires, yet there are few estimates of the number of animals that were rescued and rehabilitated post-fire. Focusing on the state of New South Wales (NSW) and Kangaroo Island, South Australia, we used a case study approach to determine the number of marsupials that were reported rescued due to the 2019-2020 bushfires in these areas and analysed species-specific trends in rescue and release success. In NSW, we found 889 reports of fire-affected marsupials in 2019-2020, mostly comprising kangaroos and wallabies (macropods; n = 458), koalas (n = 204), and possums (n = 162), with a smaller number of wombats (n = 43) and other marsupial species. Most reports of fire-affected marsupials occurred 6-8 weeks after fire ignition, and there was no difference in temporal frequency of rescues between marsupial groups. For the three main groups, the probability of survival and subsequent release differed, with macropods having the lowest probability of release after rescue (0.15 ± 0.04) compared to koalas (0.47 ± 0.04) and possums (0.55 ± 0.10). The type of injury was the main predictor of survival during rehabilitation for all three marsupial groups, with those malnourished/moribund or with traumatic injuries less likely to survive rehabilitation. Death or euthanasia occurred on the day of rescue for 77% of macropods, 48% of possums and 15% of koalas. Koalas most often died during rehabilitation rather than on the day of rescue, with 73% either dying or being euthanised between day 1 and 30 post-rescue, representing a potential welfare concern. On Kangaroo Island, koalas were the most frequently rescued marsupial species; most euthanasia cases and deaths occurred in a hospital, whereas other marsupials were mostly euthanised at triage. In both jurisdictions, koalas were over-represented while possums were under-represented relative to baseline population densities and wildlife rescue trends in the years before the 2019-2020 bushfires. These species differences in presentation post-fire warrant further investigation, as do the differences in triage, survival and release outcomes. It is hypothesised that the high intensity and large scale of the 2019-2020 fires impeded marsupial fire evasion tactics, as evidenced by the small number of animals found for rescue, and the differing rates of presentation relative to underlying population densities for the main marsupial groups. Based on our findings, there is a need for detailed record keeping and data sharing, development of consistent and evidence-based triage, treatment and euthanasia guidelines and deployment of trained wildlife emergency rescue teams with advanced search techniques to minimise animal suffering where safe to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly R. Cope
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.R.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Clare McArthur
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.); (T.M.N.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.R.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.); (T.M.N.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Christopher R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.); (T.M.N.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Aditi Sriram
- New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Ron Haering
- New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Herbert
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.); (T.M.N.); (C.R.D.)
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Zhu Z, Naunton M, Mortazavi R, Bushell M. The Impact of Australian Bushfires on Asthma Medicine Prescription Dispensing. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:428. [PMID: 38391803 PMCID: PMC10888028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution can cause numerous health problems and increase the need for medicines to treat and prevent asthma in affected areas. There is limited evidence about the association between airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller (PM2.5) and asthma medicine usage. This study examined the potential association between the levels of PM2.5 and the supply of prescription asthma medicines in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia, during the severe bushfire season between November 2019-January 2020. METHODS Daily data was obtained from an ACT air quality monitoring station from November 2019 to January 2020 (study period) and November 2018 to January 2019 (control period, no bushfire). The number and types of government-funded asthma medicine prescriptions were obtained from the Services Australia (government) website by searching under 'Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Item Reports' and using relevant item codes during the study and control periods. RESULTS The medians for PM2.5 levels for the study period were significantly higher than those for the control period (p < 0.001). There were increases in the number of dispensed prescriptions of short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA), inhaled corticosteroids, and long-acting beta-2 agonists combined with inhaled corticosteroids. The greatest difference was seen with the inhaled corticosteroids: a 138% increase. CONCLUSIONS The increase in the number of dispensed asthma prescriptions during the bushfire season should be used to inform the stock holdings of these medicines in preparation for future events to ensure access to lifesaving asthma medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhu
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Mark Naunton
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Reza Mortazavi
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Mary Bushell
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
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McGill N, Curtin M, Hodgins G, Parnell T, Verdon S, Crockett J, Davison WR. Supporting children's recovery from bushfires: Stakeholders' views about the impact of a community-based intervention program on children. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:42-52. [PMID: 37964697 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A multidisciplinary Bushfire Recovery Program was developed by Royal Far West focused on reducing the short- and medium-term impacts of the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia on children's wellbeing and resilience. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of the Program's psychosocial groups on children's wellbeing and resilience. DESIGN A two-phase mixed method approach was used, involving post-intervention surveys and interviews of children impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia who participated in the Bushfire Recovery Program, their parents/carers, teachers, and the facilitators of the workshops. Statistical analysis was undertaken with quantitative data and content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. FINDINGS Children learnt to talk to and trust adults, share thoughts and experiences with others, recognise they were not alone in their experiences, build connections with peers, understand and manage feelings, and implement strategies that enabled them to cope with change. DISCUSSION Psychosocial groups delivered in preschools and schools as part of the Bushfire Recovery Program reportedly led to significant learning and positive impacts for children in the areas of coping, wellbeing, and peer connections. Similar themes occurred across surveys and interviews and findings reflected the perceptions of the children who participated in the groups, and key adults around the children. CONCLUSIONS Community-based psychoeducational interventions can provide effective support in the short- and medium-term post-bushfire for children to develop strategies and skills to enable them to cope with changes and their emotional reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole McGill
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Speech Pathology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Curtin
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gene Hodgins
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judith Crockett
- Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
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Miller E. The Black Saturday bushfire disaster: found poetry for arts-based knowledge translation in disaster risk and climate change communication. Arts Health 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38294708 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2024.2310861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
This research uses the arts-based research method of found poetry, the creation of poem-like prose from existing text, to share the lived experience of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfire disaster in Australia which killed 173 people. After outlining the processes, this paper applies found poetry to an existing text: Peg Fraser's book, Black Saturday. Five found poems are shared, each conveying a different element of the disaster experience: "Armageddon," "Go - GET OUT," "Bushfire Chook," "Resisting the Poetry Tree," and "Lucky". Compared to normal prose, there is an authentic and vulnerable vibrancy to the language of these found poems, which offer unexpected visceral insight into the bushfire experience - the fear, the heat, the confusion, the anger, and the loss. Poetry, which resonates and draws people in emotionally, has significant potential as arts-based knowledge translation in disaster risk and climate change communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne Miller
- QUT Design Lab, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Hasnain MG, Garcia-Esperon C, Tomari YK, Walker R, Saluja T, Rahman MM, Boyle A, Levi CR, Naidu R, Filippelli G, Spratt NJ. Bushfire-smoke trigger hospital admissions with cerebrovascular diseases: Evidence from 2019-20 bushfire in Australia. Eur Stroke J 2024:23969873231223307. [PMID: 38258746 DOI: 10.1177/23969873231223307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to ambient air pollution is strongly associated with increased cerebrovascular diseases. The 2019-20 bushfire season in Australia burnt 5.4 million hectares of land in New South Wales alone, with smoke so severe it affected cities in Argentina, 11,000 km away. The smoke emitted by bushfires consists of both gaseous and particle components. It is important to note that exposure to particulate matter has been shown to be linked to a heightened risk of stroke, which is the primary kind of cerebrovascular illness, as well as an increased likelihood of hospitalisations and mortality. However, the available data is inadequate in terms of documenting the response of patients diagnosed with a proven cerebrovascular illness to bushfire smoke. Additionally, there is a lack of information about the health effects associated with particulate matter throughout the bushfire season and on days when smoke was present in 2019 and 2020.Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of (i) short-term air pollution triggered by bushfires and (ii) high smoke days in increasing the daily number of hospital admissions with cerebrovascular diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hospitalisation data were accessed from the admitted patient dataset from seven local Government areas of Hunter New England Local Health District. The bushfire period was defined from 1 October 2019 to 10 February 2020, and a same period from 2018-19 as the control. High bushfire smoke days were days when the average daily concentration of particulate matter was higher than the 95th percentile of the control period. Poisson regression models and fixed effect meta-analysis were used to analyse the data. RESULTS In total, 275 patients with cerebrovascular admissions were identified, with 147 (53.5%) during the bushfire (2019-20) and 128 (46.5%) in the control period (2018-19). There was no significant increase in daily admissions for cerebrovascular disease (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.81-1.34; p-value: 0.73), acute stroke (IRR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.88-1.50; p-value: 0.29) or acute ischaemic stroke (IRR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.87-1.59; p-value: 0.28), over the entire bushfire period. However, the high bushfire smoke days were associated with increased acute ischaemic stroke-related hospital admissions across lead 0-3 and the highest cumulative effect was observed with lead 0 (IRR:1.52; 95% CI: 1.01-2.29; p-value: 0.04). In addition, during the bushfire period, particulate matter, both PM10 and PM2.5 (defined as particulates that have an effective aerodynamic diameter of 10, and 2.5 microns, respectively), were also associated with increased acute ischaemic stroke admissions with a lag of 0-3 days. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results suggested a possible association between particulate matter and high smoke days with increased hospital admissions due to acute ischaemic stroke during the recent Australian bushfire season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Golam Hasnain
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Garcia-Esperon
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Yumi Kashida Tomari
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhonda Walker
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tarunpreet Saluja
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Md Mijanur Rahman
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Boyle
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Levi
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (crcCARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Neil J Spratt
- College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Macleod E, Heffernan T, Greenwood LM, Walker I, Lane J, Stanley SK, Evans O, Calear AL, Cruwys T, Christensen BK, Kurz T, Lancsar E, Reynolds J, Rodney Harris R, Sutherland S. Predictors of individual mental health and psychological resilience after Australia's 2019-2020 bushfires. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:58-69. [PMID: 37264605 PMCID: PMC10756019 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231175618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We assessed the mental health effects of Australia's 2019-2020 bushfires 12-18 months later, predicting psychological distress and positive psychological outcomes from bushfire exposure and a range of demographic variables, and seeking insights to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience planning for different profiles of people. METHODS We surveyed 3083 bushfire-affected and non-affected Australian residents about their experiences of bushfire, COVID-19, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder) and positive psychological outcomes (resilient coping, wellbeing). RESULTS We found high rates of distress across all participants, exacerbated by severity of bushfire exposure. For people who were bushfire-affected, being older, having less financial stress, and having no or fewer pre-existing mental disorders predicted both lower distress and higher positive outcomes. Being male or having less income loss also predicted positive outcomes. Severity of exposure, higher education and higher COVID-19-related stressors predicted both higher distress and higher positive outcomes. Pre-existing physical health diagnosis and previous bushfire experience did not significantly predict distress or positive outcomes. RECOMMENDATIONS To promote disaster resilience, we recommend investment in mental health, particularly for younger adults and for those in rural and remote areas. We also recommend investment in mechanisms to protect against financial distress and the development of a broader definition of bushfire-related impacts than is currently used to capture brushfires' far-reaching effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Macleod
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Timothy Heffernan
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa-Marie Greenwood
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Iain Walker
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Lane
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Samantha K Stanley
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Olivia Evans
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tegan Cruwys
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Bruce K Christensen
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tim Kurz
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emily Lancsar
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Julia Reynolds
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rachael Rodney Harris
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stewart Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Clough J, Schwab S, Mikac K. Gut Microbiome Profiling of the Endangered Southern Greater Glider ( Petauroides volans) after the 2019-2020 Australian Megafire. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3583. [PMID: 38003202 PMCID: PMC10668662 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the gut microbiome can provide valuable insights into animal health and inform the conservation management of threatened wildlife. Gut microbiota play important roles in regulating mammalian host physiology, including digestion, energy metabolism and immunity. Dysbiosis can impair such physiological processes and compromise host health, so it is essential that the gut microbiome be considered in conservation planning. The southern greater glider (Petauroides volans) is an endangered arboreal marsupial that faced widespread habitat fragmentation and population declines following the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season. This study details baseline data on the gut microbiome of this species. The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified from scats collected from individuals inhabiting burnt and unburnt sites across southeastern Australia and sequenced to determine bacterial community composition. Southern greater glider gut microbiomes were characterised by high relative abundances of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, which is consistent with that reported for other marsupial herbivores. Significant differences in gut microbial diversity and community structure were detected among individuals from different geographic locations. Certain microbiota and functional orthologues were also found to be significantly differentially abundant between locations. The role of wildfire in shaping southern greater glider gut microbiomes was shown, with some significant differences in the diversity and abundance of microbiota detected between burnt and unburnt sites. Overall, this study details the first data on greater glider (Petauroides) gut microbiomes, laying the foundation for future studies to further explore relationships between microbial community structure, environmental stressors and host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn Clough
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Sibylle Schwab
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Katarina Mikac
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
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Baek C, Woolford L, Funnell O, McLelland J, Eddy S, Stephenson T, Speight N. Cutaneous and Respiratory Lesions in Bushfire-Affected Koalas. Vet Sci 2023; 10:658. [PMID: 37999482 PMCID: PMC10675647 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the wake of increasingly frequent bushfires emerging as a threat to wildlife worldwide, koalas have notably been the most rescued species in Australia. However, our understanding of burns and their severity in koalas is limited; hence, this study investigated the histopathological features and depth of burns in koala skin, as well as the presence of smoke-induced respiratory tract damage. In four bushfire-affected koalas that had been euthanised on welfare grounds, skin burns in various body regions were scored based on clinical appearance as superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness. Histological sections of affected regions of skin were assessed as Grades I-IV and showed that furred regions on the ear margins and dorsum were histologically more severe, at Grade III, compared with the clinical score. There was a similar finding for footpad burns, which were the most common body region affected. In the respiratory tract, pulmonary oedema and congestion were evident in all koalas. Overall, the results highlight that cutaneous burn lesions on furred and palmar/plantar surfaces can have higher severity based on the burn depth than is clinically apparent. Therefore, there is a need to consider this when developing treatment plans and establishing prognosis for burnt koalas at triage, as well as that a high likelihood of pulmonary oedema exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Baek
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia (L.W.); (T.S.)
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia (L.W.); (T.S.)
| | - Oliver Funnell
- Zoos South Australia, Frome Rd., Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (O.F.); (J.M.)
| | - Jennifer McLelland
- Zoos South Australia, Frome Rd., Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (O.F.); (J.M.)
| | - Stuart Eddy
- The Austin Vet Specialists, Adelaide, SA 5031, Australia;
| | - Tamsyn Stephenson
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia (L.W.); (T.S.)
| | - Natasha Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia (L.W.); (T.S.)
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Korndörffer L, White C, Mackelprang JL. Psychological First Aid principles within a community-led arts initiative: lessons from the Blacksmiths' Tree. Disasters 2023; 47:806-829. [PMID: 36208417 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is widely used in the early phases of disaster recovery, despite limited empirical evidence supporting its application. PFA aims to reduce distress and encourage adaptive coping and is grounded in five principles: the promotion of hope, self- and collective efficacy, social connectedness, safety, and calm. Drawing on a constructivist perspective, this study analysed interview transcripts from Forged from Fire: The Making of the Blacksmiths' Tree, a documentary film about a community-led arts project initiated after the 2009 bushfires in Victoria, Australia. Using a reflexive process that employed deductive and inductive coding, the research investigated the presence of PFA principles in participants' experiences of the Blacksmiths' Tree project and whether themes not accounted for by PFA were also salient. The findings supported the PFA principles and generated two additional themes: grassroots and community leadership; and healing through creation and expression. The implications for disaster recovery in community settings are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilith Korndörffer
- Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) Student, Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
- Bushfire Recovery Practitioner, Victorian Department of Education, Australia
| | - Carolynne White
- Participation and Co-design Manager, Mind Australia
- Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
| | - Jessica L Mackelprang
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
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11
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Thangavel K, Spiller D, Sabatini R, Amici S, Longepe N, Servidia P, Marzocca P, Fayek H, Ansalone L. Trusted Autonomous Operations of Distributed Satellite Systems Using Optical Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:3344. [PMID: 36992055 PMCID: PMC10052948 DOI: 10.3390/s23063344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) have undoubtedly increased mission value due to the ability to reconfigure the spacecraft cluster/formation and incrementally add new or update older satellites in the formation. These features provide inherent benefits, such as increased mission effectiveness, multi-mission capabilities, design flexibility, and so on. Trusted Autonomous Satellite Operation (TASO) are possible owing to the predictive and reactive integrity features offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), including both on-board satellites and in the ground control segments. To effectively monitor and manage time-critical events such as disaster relief missions, the DSS must be able to reconfigure autonomously. To achieve TASO, the DSS should have reconfiguration capability within the architecture and spacecraft should communicate with each other through an Inter-Satellite Link (ISL). Recent advances in AI, sensing, and computing technologies have resulted in the development of new promising concepts for the safe and efficient operation of the DSS. The combination of these technologies enables trusted autonomy in intelligent DSS (iDSS) operations, allowing for a more responsive and resilient approach to Space Mission Management (SMM) in terms of data collection and processing, especially when using state-of-the-art optical sensors. This research looks into the potential applications of iDSS by proposing a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for near-real-time wildfire management. For spacecraft to continuously monitor Areas of Interest (AOI) in a dynamically changing environment, satellite missions must have extensive coverage, revisit intervals, and reconfiguration capability that iDSS can offer. Our recent work demonstrated the feasibility of AI-based data processing using state-of-the-art on-board astrionics hardware accelerators. Based on these initial results, AI-based software has been successively developed for wildfire detection on-board iDSS satellites. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed iDSS architecture, simulation case studies are performed considering different geographic locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathiravan Thangavel
- Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00138 Rome, Italy
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Dario Spiller
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00138 Rome, Italy
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Roberto Sabatini
- Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Stefania Amici
- National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolas Longepe
- Φ-Lab Explore Office, ESRIN, European Space Agency, 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - Pablo Servidia
- Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), Av. Paseo Colón 751, Buenos Aires C1063ACH, Argentina
| | - Pier Marzocca
- Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Haytham Fayek
- School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
- SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Luigi Ansalone
- Engineering and Future Space Systems Unit, Italian Space Agency, 00198 Rome, Italy
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12
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Learmonth YC, Hunter A, Gibbs L, Walker D, Kermode AG, Marck CH. The impact of the Australian Black Summer Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing in persons with multiple sclerosis; preparation for future and ongoing crises. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:630-643. [PMID: 35166613 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2037756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Australian multiple sclerosis (MS) community experienced two recent major crises, widespread bushfires and the COVID 19 pandemic. We aimed to understand the needs of persons with MS during times of crisis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A consumer-directed mixed-method study. We included an online survey, semi-structured interviews, and a workshop with persons with MS, carers, healthcare professionals, and disability advocates. Data were collected via: (1) 176 people completing online surveys to identify crisis concerns and communications, (2) 29 people completing online interviews on bushfire and pandemic impact, and (3) 13 people participating in a crises-priorities workshop. Descriptive data were calculated for survey response, and a general inductive analytical approach was taken with interview and workshop responses. RESULTS The most significant concerns were bushfire smoke exposure and disease-modifying-medication and susceptibility to COVID-19 (66% and 63% mean concern score, respectively). Interviews indicated crises experiences from the bushfires, and the pandemic overlapped respective of changes in mood and symptom stability. For bushfires, a need for future preparations, and for the pandemic, the benefits of social restrictions, disclosing personal health information and increased care burden were important. CONCLUSIONS Multiple crises challenged the MS community but offered lessons for healthcare in future crises. Continued progress in centralised crisis information, with considered use of telehealth and rural healthcare support, is needed.Implications for rehabilitationThe MS community showed high concerns for the effect of toxic smoke from the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires and, separately, for the disease-modifying-medication and susceptibility to COVID-19.The MS community placed priority on a crisis management plan for individuals.Reduced social activity due to restrictions was beneficial for MS symptom self-awareness and may help overall fatigue management.Healthcare system preparation must prepare to alleviate increased carer workload at times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne C Learmonth
- Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Assunta Hunter
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Diana Walker
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Allan G Kermode
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Claudia H Marck
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Davis D, Roberts C, Williamson R, Kurz E, Barnes K, Behie AM, Aroni R, Nolan CJ, Phillips C. Opportunities for primary health care: a qualitative study of perinatal health and wellbeing during bushfire crises. Fam Pract 2022; 40:458-464. [PMID: 36444891 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the summer of 2019/2020, Australia experienced a catastrophic wildfire season that affected nearly 80% of Australians either directly or indirectly. The impacts of climate crisis on perinatal health have only recently begun to receive attention. The objective of this study was to understand experiences of perinatal women during the bushfire and smoke events of 2019-2020 regarding health, health care, and public health messaging. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted by phone or web conferencing platforms with 43 participants living in the south-east of Australia who were either pregnant or who had recently had a baby during the 2019/2020 fires. RESULTS The health impacts on participants of the fires, associated smoke, and evacuations for some, were both physical and psychological. Many participants sought information regarding how to protect their own health and that of their unborn/recently born children, but reported this difficult to find. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women and new mothers exposed to bushfire events are a risk group for adverse physical and psychological outcomes. At the time of the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires, exposed women could not easily access evidence-based information to mitigate this risk. Family practitioners are well placed to provide pregnant women and new mothers with this sought-after information, but they need to be prepared well in advance of future similar events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Davis
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.,ACT Government Health Directorate, Canberra, Australia
| | - Celia Roberts
- School of Sociology, College of Arts and Social Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rebecca Williamson
- School of Sociology, College of Arts and Social Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ella Kurz
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Katelyn Barnes
- ACT Government Health Directorate, Canberra, Australia.,Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison M Behie
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rosalie Aroni
- Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Christopher J Nolan
- Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Christine Phillips
- Social Foundations of Medicine, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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14
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Usher K, Durkin J, Douglas L, Coffey Y, Bhullar N. Coping styles and mental health outcomes of community members affected by black summer 2019-20 bushfires in Australia. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:1176-1185. [PMID: 35731685 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate coping styles, posttraumatic stress, and mental health symptoms among a sample of community members affected by 2019-20 Australian bushfires. Using a convenience sampling approach, an online survey was used to assess a range of coping strategies, posttraumatic stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the affected community members of Black Summer bushfires. The results revealed that study participants reported moderate symptoms of depression and stress, and severe levels of anxiety. Additionally, participants reported use of both approach and avoidance coping strategies following the bushfire event as well as experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, such as having intrusive thoughts and symptoms of avoidance and hyperarousal. Despite the durability of many individuals, others remain affected by the event and there is evidence there may be longer term mental health consequences of the bushfires for some people. Given these findings, it is imperative that mental health services be readily available for people in the bushfire-affected areas. Mental health nurses have an important role to play in supporting individuals affected by disasters. Awareness of the short- and long-term impacts of disasters on the mental health of people is paramount for mental health nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Usher
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Durkin
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lesley Douglas
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yumiko Coffey
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Navjot Bhullar
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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15
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Skinner R, Luther M, Hertelendy AJ, Khorram-Manesh A, Sørensen J, Goniewicz K, Ranse J. A Literature Review on the Impact of Wildfires on Emergency Departments: Enhancing Disaster Preparedness - CORRIGENDUM. Prehosp Disaster Med 2022;:1. [PMID: 36039672 DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X22001182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Islam MS, Fang T, Oldfield C, Larpruenrudee P, Beni HM, Rahman MM, Husain S, Gu Y. Heat Wave and Bushfire Meteorology in New South Wales, Australia: Air Quality and Health Impacts. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:10388. [PMID: 36012020 PMCID: PMC9407765 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The depletion of air quality is a major problem that is faced around the globe. In Australia, the pollutants emitted by bushfires play an important role in making the air polluted. These pollutants in the air result in many adverse impacts on the environment. This paper analysed the air pollution from the bushfires from November 2019 to July 2020 and identified how it affects the human respiratory system. The bush fires burnt over 13 million hectares, destroying over 2400 buildings. While these immediate effects were devastating, the long-term effects were just as devastating, with air pollution causing thousands of people to be admitted to hospitals and emergency departments because of respiratory complications. The pollutant that caused most of the health effects throughout Australia was Particulate Matter (PM) PM2.5 and PM10. Data collection and analysis were covered in this paper to illustrate where and when PM2.5 and PM10, and other pollutants were at their most concerning levels. Susceptible areas were identified by analysing environmental factors such as temperature and wind speed. The study identified how these pollutants in the air vary from region to region in the same time interval. This study also focused on how these pollutant distributions vary according to the temperature, which helps to determine the relationship between the heatwave and air quality. A computational model for PM2.5 aerosol transport to the realistic airways was also developed to understand the bushfire exhaust aerosol transport and deposition in airways. This study would improve the knowledge of the heat wave and bushfire meteorology and corresponding respiratory health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S. Islam
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Tianxin Fang
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Callum Oldfield
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Puchanee Larpruenrudee
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Hamidreza Mortazavy Beni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arsanjan 6134937333, Iran
| | - Md. M. Rahman
- School of Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Shahid Husain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Zakir Husain College of Engineering & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, India
| | - Yuantong Gu
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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17
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Cowled BD, Hillman A, Ward MP, Clutterbuck H, Doyle M, Webb Ware J, Thomas M, Plain K, Barwell R, Laurence M, Pfeiffer C. The black summer bushfires: impacts and risk factors for livestock bushfire injury in south-eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:306-317. [PMID: 35514115 PMCID: PMC9546107 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The 2019/2020 Australian bushfires were the largest bushfire event in modern Australian history. While actions to mitigate risk to homes from bushfires are well reported, there is very little research reported on the impacts of bushfires on livestock. With an increasing incidence of bushfires predicted, there is an urgent need to identify how farmers can best protect their livestock. Objectives Compare bushfire affected farms with and without injured livestock to identify associations between risk factors and bushfire injury. Infer management approaches that can be used to reduce bushfire injury in livestock. Method A case‐control study using a structured interview questionnaire, delivered in late 2020 to cattle and sheep farmers in south‐eastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria) whose farmland was burnt in the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires. Case farms were farms with bushfires injured or killed livestock. Control farms were farms that had no bushfire injured livestock but that still had fire present on the farm. Interview responses were summarised and information theoretical approaches were used to identify potential risk factors for livestock bushfire injury and protective actions that could inform future fire‐preparation recommendations. Results and discussion Of 46 farms in the case‐control study, 21 (46%) reported bushfire injured or killed livestock. Apparent protective factors identified included: preparation (having a bushfire plan and more than two farm bushfire fighting units), backburning and receiving assistance from fire authorities. Combined beef and sheep grazing enterprises appeared to have an increased risk of bushfire injury to livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Cowled
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, 34 Thynne St, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Hillman
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, 34 Thynne St, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Clutterbuck
- South East Local Land Services, 159 Auburn St, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, 159 Auburn St, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Webb Ware
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Thomas
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Plain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Barwell
- Animal Health Australia, Level 2, 95 Northbourne Ave, Turner, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - M Laurence
- Meat and Livestock Australia, Level 1, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, 2060, Australia
| | - C Pfeiffer
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Gomez Isaza DF, Cramp RL, Franklin CE. Fire and rain: A systematic review of the impacts of wildfire and associated runoff on aquatic fauna. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:2578-2595. [PMID: 35038772 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate and land-use changes are expected to increase the future occurrence of wildfires, with potentially devastating consequences for freshwater species and ecosystems. Wildfires that burn in close proximity to freshwater systems can significantly alter the physicochemical properties of water. Following wildfires and heavy rain, freshwater species must contend with complex combinations of wildfire ash components (nutrients, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals), altered light and thermal regimes, and periods of low oxygen that together can lead to mass mortality events. However, the responses of aquatic fauna to wildfire disturbances are poorly understood. Here we provide a systematic review of available evidence on how aquatic animals respond to and recover from wildfire disturbance. Two databases (Web of Science and Scopus) were used to identify key literature. A total of 83 studies from across 11 countries were identified to have assessed the risk of wildfires on aquatic animals. We provide a summary of the main ecosystem-level changes associated with wildfires and the main responses of aquatic fauna to such disturbances. We pay special focus to physiological tools and biomarkers used to assess how wildfires impact aquatic animals. We conclude by providing an overview of how physiological biomarkers can further our understanding of wildfire-related impacts on aquatic fauna, and how different physiological tools can be incorporated into management and conservation plans and serve as early warning signs of wildfire disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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19
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Keegan SA, Rahman KM. Health protection messaging for populations susceptible to air pollution during landscape fire smoke events: an integrative review. Rev Environ Health 2021; 36:599-609. [PMID: 33721920 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Public health communication strategies to protect against the health impacts of air pollution due to landscape fire are becoming increasingly urgent in Australia. How well the public, particularly susceptible populations, are receiving, understanding and acting upon health protection messages related to smoke events is poorly understood. This integrative review sought literature relevant to health protection messaging for smoke events, including appropriate message content and suitable message delivery, with a focus on vulnerable and sensitive populations. Using an exhaustive search strategy of databases and grey literature, 26 relevant articles were identified and thematically analysed to produce a synthesis of findings on key themes. Findings indicated that a variety of traditional and modern communication channels are needed to ensure health messages are received by those most at-risk and should consider locally relevant information. A key theme to emerge in this review was the need for health messaging to susceptible populations to commence in advance of bushfire seasons to facilitate health protective actions being taken. During the acute-phase of smoke events, messages that were short with non-technical advice, were recalled and complied with more often. The need to improve the consistency of message content was a recurrent theme in the literature and suggested a need for greater interagency collaboration and communication. Preliminary evidence from smartphone app studies show promising results for targeted communication, however, more robust research is needed on the efficacy of these communication channels. Further research is also needed on the health impacts of smoke events, related compounding issues and strategies to reduce health risks, to better inform health protection messaging to susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazi Mizanur Rahman
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales Health, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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20
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Dorey JB, Rebola CM, Davies OK, Prendergast KS, Parslow BA, Hogendoorn K, Leijs R, Hearn LR, Leitch EJ, O'Reilly RL, Marsh J, Woinarski JCZ, Caddy-Retalic S. Continental risk assessment for understudied taxa post-catastrophic wildfire indicates severe impacts on the Australian bee fauna. Glob Chang Biol 2021; 27:6551-6567. [PMID: 34592040 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The 2019-2020 Australian Black Summer wildfires demonstrated that single events can have widespread and catastrophic impacts on biodiversity, causing a sudden and marked reduction in population size for many species. In such circumstances, there is a need for conservation managers to respond rapidly to implement priority remedial management actions for the most-affected species to help prevent extinctions. To date, priority responses have been biased towards high-profile taxa with substantial information bases. Here, we demonstrate that sufficient data are available to model the extinction risk for many less well-known species, which could inform much broader and more effective ecological disaster responses. Using publicly available collection and GIS datasets, combined with life-history data, we modelled the extinction risk from the 2019-2020 catastrophic Australian wildfires for 553 Australian native bee species (33% of all described Australian bee taxa). We suggest that two species are now eligible for listing as Endangered and nine are eligible for listing as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria, on the basis of fire overlap, intensity, frequency, and life-history traits: this tally far exceeds the three Australian bee species listed as threatened prior to the wildfire. We demonstrate how to undertake a wide-scale assessment of wildfire impact on a poorly understood group to help to focus surveys and recovery efforts. We also provide the methods and the script required to make similar assessments for other taxa or in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Dorey
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Earth and Biological Sciences, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Celina M Rebola
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Olivia K Davies
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kit S Prendergast
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ben A Parslow
- Earth and Biological Sciences, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hogendoorn
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Remko Leijs
- Earth and Biological Sciences, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lucas R Hearn
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emrys J Leitch
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, Australia
| | - Robert L O'Reilly
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Earth and Biological Sciences, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Harry Butler Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Stefan Caddy-Retalic
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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21
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Rodney RM, Swaminathan A, Calear AL, Christensen BK, Lal A, Lane J, Leviston Z, Reynolds J, Trevenar S, Vardoulakis S, Walker I. Physical and Mental Health Effects of Bushfire and Smoke in the Australian Capital Territory 2019-20. Front Public Health 2021; 9:682402. [PMID: 34722432 PMCID: PMC8551801 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.682402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019–20 bushfire season in south-eastern Australia was one of the most severe in recorded history. Bushfire smoke-related air pollution reached hazardous levels in major metropolitan areas, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), for prolonged periods of time. Bushfire smoke directly challenges human health through effects on respiratory and cardiac function, but can also indirectly affect health, wellbeing and quality of life. Few studies have examined the specific health effects of bushfire smoke, separate from direct effects of fire, and looked beyond physical health symptoms to consider effects on mental health and lifestyle in Australian communities. This paper describes an assessment of the health impacts of this prolonged exposure to hazardous levels of bushfire smoke in the ACT and surrounding area during the 2019–20 bushfire season. An online survey captured information on demographics, health (physical and mental health, sleep) and medical advice seeking from 2,084 adult participants (40% male, median age 45 years). Almost all participants (97%) experienced at least one physical health symptom that they attributed to smoke, most commonly eye or throat irritation, and cough. Over half of responders self-reported symptoms of anxiety and/or feeling depressed and approximately half reported poorer sleep. Women reported all symptoms more frequently than men. Participants with existing medical conditions or poorer self-rated health, parents and those directly affected by fire (in either the current or previous fire seasons) also experienced poorer physical, mental health and/or sleep symptoms. Approximately 17% of people sought advice from a medical health practitioner, most commonly a general practitioner, to manage their symptoms. This study demonstrated that prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke can have substantial effects on health. Holistic approaches to understanding, preventing and mitigating the effects of smoke, not just on physical health but on mental health, and the intersection of these, is important. Improved public health messaging is needed to address uncertainty about how individuals can protect their and their families health for future events. This should be informed by identifying subgroups of the population, such as those with existing health conditions, parents, or those directly exposed to fire who may be at a greater risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Rodney
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ashwin Swaminathan
- Departments of General Medicine and Infectious Diseases, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Bruce K Christensen
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Aparna Lal
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jo Lane
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zoe Leviston
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Julia Reynolds
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Susan Trevenar
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Iain Walker
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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22
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Heaney E, Hunter L, Clulow A, Bowles D, Vardoulakis S. Efficacy of Communication Techniques and Health Outcomes of Bushfire Smoke Exposure: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10889. [PMID: 34682636 PMCID: PMC8536189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Public health officials communicate the relevant risks of bushfire smoke exposure and associated health protection measures to affected populations. Increasing global bushfire incidence in the context of climate change motivated this scoping review. English-language publications related to adverse health outcomes following bushfire smoke exposure and publications relating to communication during natural disasters were included. Bushfire smoke events potentially increase healthcare contact, especially presentations triggered by respiratory illness. At-risk populations include those with underlying cardiorespiratory disease, elderly, paediatric, pregnant persons, and First Nations people. We found that social media, television, and radio are among the most common information sources utilised in bushfire smoke events. Message style, content, and method of delivery can directly influence message uptake and behaviour modification. Age, rurality, and geographical location influence information source preferences. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups and those with hearing, vision, and mobility-related disabilities may benefit from targeted health recommendations. This review emphasises the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and related communication recommendations during and after bushfire smoke events. Additional investigation may further clarify the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and efficacy of related health messaging, particularly in at-risk populations. Quantitative comparison of communication methods may yield more specific recommendations for future bushfire smoke events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Heaney
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Hunter
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Angus Clulow
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Devin Bowles
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (D.B.); (S.V.)
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (D.B.); (S.V.)
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23
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Graham AM, Pringle KJ, Pope RJ, Arnold SR, Conibear LA, Burns H, Rigby R, Borchers‐Arriagada N, Butt EW, Kiely L, Reddington C, Spracklen DV, Woodhouse MT, Knote C, McQuaid JB. Impact of the 2019/2020 Australian Megafires on Air Quality and Health. Geohealth 2021; 5:e2021GH000454. [PMID: 34723045 PMCID: PMC8536818 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Australian 2019/2020 bushfires were unprecedented in their extent and intensity, causing a catastrophic loss of habitat, human and animal life across eastern-Australia. We use a regional air quality model to assess the impact of the bushfires on particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentrations and the associated health impact from short-term population exposure to bushfire PM2.5. The mean population Air Quality Index (AQI) exposure between September and February in the fires and no fires simulations indicates an additional ∼437,000 people were exposed to "Poor" or worse AQI levels due to the fires. The AQ impact was concentrated in the cities of Sydney, Newcastle-Maitland, Canberra-Queanbeyan and Melbourne. Between October and February 171 (95% CI: 66-291) deaths were brought forward due to short-term exposure to bushfire PM2.5. The health burden was largest in New South Wales (NSW) (109 (95% CI: 41-176) deaths brought forward), Queensland (15 (95% CI: 5-24)), and Victoria (35 (95% CI: 13-56)). This represents 38%, 13% and 30% of the total deaths brought forward by short-term exposure to all PM2.5. At a city-level 65 (95% CI: 24-105), 23 (95% CI: 9-38) and 9 (95% CI: 4-14) deaths were brought forward from short-term exposure to bushfire PM2.5, accounting for 36%, 20%, and 64% of the total deaths brought forward from all PM2.5. Thus, the bushfires caused substantial AQ and health impacts across eastern-Australia. Climate change is projected to increase bushfire risk, therefore future fire management policies should consider this.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard J. Pope
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- National Centre for Earth ObservationUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | | | - Helen Burns
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Centre for Environmental Modelling and ComputationUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Richard Rigby
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Centre for Environmental Modelling and ComputationUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | - Edward W. Butt
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Laura Kiely
- School of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | | | - Matthew T. Woodhouse
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationAspendaleVICAustralia
| | - Christoph Knote
- Model‐Based Environmental Exposure Science, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Augsburg GermanyAugsburgGermany
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24
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To P, Eboreime E, Agyapong VIO. The Impact of Wildfires on Mental Health: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:126. [PMID: 34562964 DOI: 10.3390/bs11090126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the many consequences of climate change is an increase in the frequency, severity, and, thus, impact of wildfires across the globe. The destruction and loss of one's home, belongings, and surrounding community, and the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones can have significant consequences on survivors' mental health, which persist for years after. The objective of this scoping review was to identify primary studies examining the impact of wildfires on mental health and to summarize findings for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Literature searches on Pubmed and Embase were conducted in February and April of 2021, respectively, with no date restrictions. A total of 254 studies were found in the two database searches, with 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three other studies were identified and included based on relevant in-text citations during data abstraction. The results show an increased rate of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety at several times of follow-up post-wildfire, from the subacute phase, to years after. An increased rate of mental health disorders post-wildfire has been found in both the adult and pediatric population, with a number of associated risk factors, the most significant being characteristics of the wildfire trauma itself. Several new terms have arisen in the literature secondary to an increased awareness and understanding of the impact of natural disasters on mental health, including ecological grief, solastalgia, and eco-anxiety. There are a number of patient factors and systemic changes that have been identified post-wildfire that can contribute to resilience and recovery.
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25
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Eid B, Beggs D, Mansell P. The Impact of Bushfire Smoke on Cattle-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:848. [PMID: 33802695 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In 2019–2020, Australia had a particularly bad bushfire season which resulted in large numbers of people and animals being exposed to smoke haze for several weeks. We conducted a literature review to examine the evidence for effects of prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke on cattle. There was general agreement that small airborne particulate matter in smoke is the substance most likely to cause problems. There was indirect evidence about effects on cattle caused by other types of pollution containing particulate matter. We found little evidence to support severe effects on cattle. This may be because cattle do not tend to suffer from the co-morbidities that, in the human population, seem to be made worse by smoke and pollution. However, small changes to death rates or disease that is not severe may go unreported, so further study is warranted. Abstract In 2019–2020, a particularly bad bushfire season in Australia resulted in cattle being exposed to prolonged periods of smoke haze and reduced air quality. Bushfire smoke contains many harmful pollutants, and impacts on regions far from the fire front, with smoke haze persisting for weeks. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the major components of bushfire smoke known to have a negative impact on human health. However, little has been reported about the potential effects that bushfire smoke has on cattle exposed to smoke haze for extended periods. We explored the current literature to investigate evidence for likely effects on cattle from prolonged exposure to smoke generated from bushfires in Australia. We conducted a search for papers related to the impacts of smoke on cattle. Initial searching returned no relevant articles through either CAB Direct or PubMed databases, whilst Google Scholar provided a small number of results. The search was then expanded to look at two sub-questions: the type of pollution that is found in bushfire smoke, and the reported effects of both humans and cattle being exposed to these types of pollutants. The primary mechanism for damage due to bushfire smoke is due to small airborne particulate matter (PM). Although evidence demonstrates that PM from bushfire smoke has a measurable impact on both human mortality and cardiorespiratory morbidities, there is little evidence regarding the impact of chronic bushfire smoke exposure in cattle. We hypothesize that cattle are not severely affected by chronic exposure to smoke haze, as evidenced by the lack of reports. This may be because cattle do not tend to suffer from the co-morbidities that, in the human population, seem to be made worse by smoke and pollution. Further, small changes to background mortality rates or transient morbidity may also go unreported.
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26
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Bui D, Davis S, Flynn A, Bell R, Dharmage S. Impact of recent catastrophic bushfires on people with asthma in Australia: Health, social and financial burdens. Respirology 2021; 26:296-297. [PMID: 33571375 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinh Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sharon Davis
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rose Bell
- Asthma Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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O’Dwyer T, Abramson MJ, Straney L, Salimi F, Johnston F, Wheeler AJ, O’Keeffe D, Haikerwal A, Reisen F, Hopper I, Dennekamp M. Sub-Clinical Effects of Outdoor Smoke in Affected Communities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18031131. [PMID: 33525316 PMCID: PMC7908479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many Australians are intermittently exposed to landscape fire smoke from wildfires or planned (prescribed) burns. This study aimed to investigate effects of outdoor smoke from planned burns, wildfires and a coal mine fire by assessing biomarkers of inflammation in an exposed and predominantly older population. Participants were recruited from three communities in south-eastern Australia. Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were continuously measured within these communities, with participants performing a range of health measures during and without a smoke event. Changes in biomarkers were examined in response to PM2.5 concentrations from outdoor smoke. Increased levels of FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) (β = 0.500 [95%CI 0.192 to 0.808] p < 0.001) at a 4 h lag were associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 levels from outdoor smoke, with effects also shown for wildfire smoke at 4, 12, 24 and 48-h lag periods and coal mine fire smoke at a 4 h lag. Total white cell (β = −0.088 [−0.171 to −0.006] p = 0.036) and neutrophil counts (β = −0.077 [−0.144 to −0.010] p = 0.024) declined in response to a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5. However, exposure to outdoor smoke resulting from wildfires, planned burns and a coal mine fire was not found to affect other blood biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas O’Dwyer
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +613-9903-0573; Fax: +613-9903-0556
| | - Lahn Straney
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Farhad Salimi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Fay Johnston
- Environmental Health, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (F.J.); (A.J.W.)
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Environmental Health, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (F.J.); (A.J.W.)
- Behaviour, Environment and Cognition Program, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - David O’Keeffe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Anjali Haikerwal
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Fabienne Reisen
- Climate Science Centre, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Aspendale 3195, Australia;
| | - Ingrid Hopper
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
| | - Martine Dennekamp
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (T.O.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (D.O.); (A.H.); (I.H.); (M.D.)
- Environmental Public Health Unit, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne 3053, Australia
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28
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Neale T, May D. Fuzzy boundaries: Simulation and expertise in bushfire prediction. Soc Stud Sci 2020; 50:837-859. [PMID: 32053028 DOI: 10.1177/0306312720906869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming apparent that changes in climatic and demographic distributions are increasing the frequency and social impact of many 'natural hazards', including wildfires (or 'bushfires' in Australia). Across many national contexts, the governmental agencies legally responsible for 'managing' such hazards been called upon to provide greater foresight into the potential consequences, occurrence and behaviour of these dynamic phenomena. These conditions, of growing occurrence and expectation, have given rise to new anticipatory regimes, tools, practitioners and expertise tasked with revealing near and distant fiery futures. Drawing on interviews with Fire Behaviour Analysts from across the fire-prone continent of Australia, this article examines how their expertise has emerged and become institutionalized, exploring how its embedding in bushfire management agencies reveals cultural boundaries and tensions. This article provides important insight into the human and nonhuman infrastructures enrolled in predicting and managing landscape fires, foregrounding the wider social and political implications of these infrastructures and how their 'fuzzy boundaries' are negotiated by practitioners. Such empirical studies of expertise in practice are also, we suggest, necessary to the continued refinement of existing critiques of expertise as an individual capacity, derived from science and serving established social orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Neale
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Daniel May
- School of History, Australian National University, Australia
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Australia
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29
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Hayward BA. Mental health nursing in bushfire-affected communities: An autoethnographic insight. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2020; 29:1262-1271. [PMID: 32691503 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is no literature to guide mental health nursing in bushfire-affected communities. Using autoethnographic methods, the author reflects on his experience of mental health nursing during the Australian bushfires of 2019-20 and the challenges of identifying existing practice guidance. Applying an existing nursing model and insights from gestalt, he analyses his field notes to identify and describe practices which he found important and useful for working with bushfire-affected persons and communities. Eight suggestions are provided to assist mental health nurses to practise in an informed way and promote recovery. This paper makes a contribution to a small body of existing mental health nursing research using autoethnographic methods, and it is the first contribution to the mental health nursing literature about working with bushfire-affected persons and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Hayward
- Victoria Department of Education and Training, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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30
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Dawel A, Shou Y, Smithson M, Cherbuin N, Banfield M, Calear AL, Farrer LM, Gray D, Gulliver A, Housen T, McCallum SM, Morse AR, Murray K, Newman E, Rodney Harris RM, Batterham PJ. The Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Wellbeing in a Representative Sample of Australian Adults. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:579985. [PMID: 33132940 PMCID: PMC7573356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.579985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is minimal knowledge about the impact of large-scale epidemics on community mental health, particularly during the acute phase. This gap in knowledge means we are critically ill-equipped to support communities as they face the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide data urgently needed to inform government policy and resource allocation now and in other future crises. The study was the first to survey a representative sample from the Australian population at the early acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression, anxiety, and psychological wellbeing were measured with well-validated scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5). Using linear regression, we tested for associations between mental health and exposure to COVID-19, impacts of COVID-19 on work and social functioning, and socio-demographic factors. Depression and anxiety symptoms were substantively elevated relative to usual population data, including for individuals with no existing mental health diagnosis. Exposure to COVID-19 had minimal association with mental health outcomes. Recent exposure to the Australian bushfires was also unrelated to depression and anxiety, although bushfire smoke exposure correlated with reduced psychological wellbeing. In contrast, pandemic-induced impairments in work and social functioning were strongly associated with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as decreased psychological wellbeing. Financial distress due to the pandemic, rather than job loss per se, was also a key correlate of poorer mental health. These findings suggest that minimizing disruption to work and social functioning, and increasing access to mental health services in the community, are important policy goals to minimize pandemic-related impacts on mental health and wellbeing. Innovative and creative strategies are needed to meet these community needs while continuing to enact vital public health strategies to control the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Dawel
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yiyun Shou
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Smithson
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michelle Banfield
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alison L. Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Louise M. Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Darren Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Amelia Gulliver
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sonia M. McCallum
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alyssa R. Morse
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kristen Murray
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Eryn Newman
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rachael M. Rodney Harris
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Philip J. Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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31
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Gupta CC, Ferguson SA, Aisbett B, Dominiak M, Chappel SE, Sprajcer M, Fullagar HHK, Khalesi S, Guy JH, Vincent GE. Hot, Tired and Hungry: The Snacking Behaviour and Food Cravings of Firefighters During Multi-Day Simulated Wildfire Suppression. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1160. [PMID: 32326354 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to numerous stressors during wildfire suppression, including working in hot temperatures and sleep restricted conditions. Research has shown that when sleep restricted, individuals choose foods higher in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, and have increased cravings for calorie dense foods. However, there is currently no research on the combined effect of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour. Conducting secondary analyses from a larger study, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour and food cravings. Sixty-six firefighters completed three days of simulated physically demanding firefighting work and were randomly allocated to either the control (n = 18, CON; 19 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), sleep restricted (n = 16, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity), hot (n = 18, HOT; 33 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), or hot and sleep restricted (n = 14 HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. During rest periods firefighters were able to self-select sweet, savoury, or healthy snacks from a ration pack and were asked to rate their hunger, fullness, and cravings every two hours (eating block). Mixed model analyses revealed no difference in total energy intake between conditions, however there was a significant interaction between eating block and condition, with those in the CON, HOT, and HOT + SR condition consuming significantly more energy between 1230 and 1430 compared to the SR condition (p = 0.002). Sleep restriction and heat did not impact feelings of hunger and fullness across the day, and did not lead to greater cravings for snacks, with no differences between conditions. These findings suggest that under various simulated firefighting conditions, it is not the amount of food that differs but the timing of food intake, with those that are required to work in hot conditions while sleep restricted more likely to consume food between 1230 and 1430. This has potential implications for the time of day in which a greater amount of food should be available for firefighters.
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Jones CG, Rappold AG, Vargo J, Cascio WE, Kharrazi M, McNally B, Hoshiko S. Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests and Wildfire-Related Particulate Matter During 2015-2017 California Wildfires. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e014125. [PMID: 32290746 PMCID: PMC7428528 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background The natural cycle of large‐scale wildfires is accelerating, increasingly exposing both rural and populous urban areas to wildfire emissions. While respiratory health effects associated with wildfire smoke are well established, cardiovascular effects have been less clear. Methods and Results We examined the association between out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest and wildfire smoke density (light, medium, heavy smoke) from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association's Hazard Mapping System. Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest data were provided by the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival for 14 California counties, 2015–2017 (N=5336). We applied conditional logistic regression in a case‐crossover design using control days from 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks before case date, at lag days 0 to 3. We stratified by pathogenesis, sex, age (19–34, 35–64, and ≥65 years), and socioeconomic status (census tract percent below poverty). Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest risk increased in association with heavy smoke across multiple lag days, strongest on lag day 2 (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.18–2.13). Risk in the lower socioeconomic status strata was elevated on medium and heavy days, although not statistically significant. Higher socioeconomic status strata had elevated odds ratios with heavy smoke but null results with light and medium smoke. Both sexes and age groups 35 years and older were impacted on days with heavy smoke. Conclusions Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests increased with wildfire smoke exposure, and lower socioeconomic status appeared to increase the risk. The future trajectory of wildfire, along with increasing vulnerability of the aging population, underscores the importance of formulating public health and clinical strategies to protect those most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin G. Jones
- California Department of Public HealthEnvironmental Health Investigations BranchRichmondCA
- California Department of Public HealthCalifornia Epidemiologic Investigation Service ProgramRichmondCA
| | - Ana G. Rappold
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyResearch Triangle ParkNC
| | - Jason Vargo
- California Department of Public HealthOffice of Health EquityRichmondCA
| | - Wayne E. Cascio
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyResearch Triangle ParkNC
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- California Department of Public HealthEnvironmental Health Investigations BranchRichmondCA
| | | | - Sumi Hoshiko
- California Department of Public HealthEnvironmental Health Investigations BranchRichmondCA
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Dawel A, Shou Y, Smithson M, Cherbuin N, Banfield M, Calear AL, Farrer LM, Gray D, Gulliver A, Housen T, McCallum SM, Morse AR, Murray K, Newman E, Rodney Harris RM, Batterham PJ. Corrigendum: The Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Wellbeing in a Representative Sample of Australian Adults. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:619331. [PMID: 33551879 PMCID: PMC7860974 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.619331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.579985.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Dawel
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yiyun Shou
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Smithson
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michelle Banfield
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Louise M Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Darren Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Amelia Gulliver
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sonia M McCallum
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Alyssa R Morse
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kristen Murray
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Eryn Newman
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Rachael M Rodney Harris
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Abstract
Soils are among the most valuable non-renewable resources on the Earth. They support natural vegetation and human agro-ecosystems, represent the largest terrestrial organic carbon stock, and act as stores and filters for water. Mankind has impacted on soils from its early days in many different ways, with burning being the first human perturbation at landscape scales. Fire has long been used as a tool to fertilize soils and control plant growth, but it can also substantially change vegetation, enhance soil erosion and even cause desertification of previously productive areas. Indeed fire is now regarded by some as the seventh soil-forming factor. Here we explore the effects of fire on soils as influenced by human interference. Human-induced fires have shaped our landscape for thousands of years and they are currently the most common fires in many parts of the world. We first give an overview of fire effect on soils and then focus specifically on (i) how traditional land-use practices involving fire, such as slash-and-burn or vegetation clearing, have affected and still are affecting soils; (ii) the effects of more modern uses of fire, such as fuel reduction or ecological burns, on soils; and (iii) the ongoing and potential future effects on soils of the complex interactions between human-induced land cover changes, climate warming and fire dynamics.This article is part of the themed issue 'The interaction of fire and mankind'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Santín
- Department of Geography, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Stefan H Doerr
- Department of Geography, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
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Westcott RAN, Ronan K, Bambrick H, Taylor M. "Don't Just Do Something … Stand There!" Emergency Responders' Peri-Incident Perceptions of Animal Owners in Bushfire. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:34. [PMID: 28361058 PMCID: PMC5352657 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Narrowing the awareness–preparedness gap in bushfires (wildfires) means that new strategies and tactics will be needed to improve human safety and survival in this increasingly frequent and severe globally significant natural hazard. One way to do this is to explore the peri-event experiences of novel demographic groups living and working in at-risk areas to determine how best to strengthen a collaborative, mutually beneficial interface with emergency responders. Thus, this study included participants from one novel demographic, animal owners, in combination with emergency responders. Animal owners themselves are a large, diverse group whose preparedness and response behavior has not been assessed with respect to their potential contribution to contemporary natural hazard management. Method Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions from four emergency responder classifications who were asked about their perceptions of animal owners in bushfire. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis because of its flexibility and suitability to this pragmatic qualitative study. Results from the first of 10 themes, chosen for its “overview” properties, are discussed in this paper, and indicate that exploring the animal owner—emergency responder interface has the potential to generate useful additions to public policy and expansion of social theory. Conclusion Analysis of these data in this paper supports the potential for positive outcomes gained by reciprocal collaboration between animal owners and emergency responders. Some simple practical solutions are evident and two major outcome streams are identified. These are (1) policy development and implementation and (2) etiology of decision-making. Considerations and recommendations for research examining the efficacy of these streams and solutions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Anne Nosworthy Westcott
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kevin Ronan
- Professorial Research Fellow, Clinical Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University , Rockhampton, QLD , Australia
| | - Hilary Bambrick
- Head of School, Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Melanie Taylor
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Senior Lecturer Organizational Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Fest B, Wardlaw T, Livesley SJ, Duff TJ, Arndt SK. Changes in soil moisture drive soil methane uptake along a fire regeneration chronosequence in a eucalypt forest landscape. Glob Chang Biol 2015; 21:4250-4264. [PMID: 26087288 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance associated with severe wildfires (WF) and WF simulating harvest operations can potentially alter soil methane (CH4 ) oxidation in well-aerated forest soils due to the effect on soil properties linked to diffusivity, methanotrophic activity or changes in methanotrophic bacterial community structure. However, changes in soil CH4 flux related to such disturbances are still rarely studied even though WF frequency is predicted to increase as a consequence of global climate change. We measured in-situ soil-atmosphere CH4 exchange along a wet sclerophyll eucalypt forest regeneration chronosequence in Tasmania, Australia, where the time since the last severe fire or harvesting disturbance ranged from 9 to >200 years. On all sampling occasions, mean CH4 uptake increased from most recently disturbed sites (9 year) to sites at stand 'maturity' (44 and 76 years). In stands >76 years since disturbance, we observed a decrease in soil CH4 uptake. A similar age dependency of potential CH4 oxidation for three soil layers (0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.15 m) could be observed on incubated soils under controlled laboratory conditions. The differences in soil CH4 uptake between forest stands of different age were predominantly driven by differences in soil moisture status, which affected the diffusion of atmospheric CH4 into the soil. The observed soil moisture pattern was likely driven by changes in interception or evapotranspiration with forest age, which have been well described for similar eucalypt forest systems in south-eastern Australia. Our results imply that there is a large amount of variability in CH4 uptake at a landscape scale that can be attributed to stand age and soil moisture differences. An increase in severe WF frequency in response to climate change could potentially increase overall forest soil CH4 sinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fest
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Vic., 3121, Australia
| | - Tim Wardlaw
- Forest Research & Development Branch, Forestry Tasmania, 79 Melville Street, Hobart, Tas., 7000, Australia
| | - Stephen J Livesley
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Vic., 3121, Australia
| | - Thomas J Duff
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Vic., 3121, Australia
| | - Stefan K Arndt
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Vic., 3121, Australia
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Reifels L, Bassilios B, Spittal M, King K, Fletcher J, Pirkis J. Patterns and predictors of primary mental health service use following bushfire and flood disasters. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2014; 5:26527. [PMID: 25511731 PMCID: PMC4265185 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v5.26527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health care services play an important role following disasters (Reifels et al., 2013). The aim of this study is to examine patterns and predictors of primary mental health care service use, following two major Australian natural disaster events. METHOD Utilizing referral and session data from a national minimum dataset, descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to identify levels and predictors of the use of the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program over a 2-year period following two major Australian bushfire and flood/cyclone disasters. Predictor variables examined in negative binomial regression analysis included consumer (age, gender, household structure, previous mental health care history, and diagnosis) and event characteristics (disaster type). RESULTS The bushfire disaster resulted in significantly greater service volume, with more than twice the number of referrals and nearly three times the number of sessions. Service delivery for both disasters peaked in the third quarter. Consumers affected by bushfires, diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or both of these disorders utilized sessions at significantly higher rates. CONCLUSIONS The substantial demand for primary mental health services following disaster can vary with disaster type. Disaster type and need-based variables as key drivers of service use intensity indicate an equitable level of service use. Established usage patterns assist with estimating future service capacity requirements. Flexible referral pathways can enhance access to disaster mental health care. Future research should examine the impact of program- and agency-level factors on mental health service use and factors underpinning treatment non-adherence following disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia;
| | - Bridget Bassilios
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kylie King
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Justine Fletcher
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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