Healthy Air

This project is funded by Asthma Australia and Dyson. It is also supported by the Australian National University, University of Sydney and University of Tasmania.

The project commenced in 2021 and is ongoing.

Air pollution from bushfires, cars and wood heaters can trigger symptoms and distress in people with asthma. As highlighted by the 2019/20 bushfires, there remains a critical lack of accessible tools, resources and advice empowering people with asthma to effectively reduce their air pollution exposure.  The project incorporates extensive consumer engagement in the form of focus groups, roundtable discussions and interviews to understand the needs of people with asthma, including people from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, health professional and policy makers.

Focus groups, roundtable discussions and interviews.

This project will translate findings from available evidence and consumer engagement into accessible advice with practical steps for reducing air pollution exposure. The advice will be presented in a variety of formats to ensure people of Aboriginal and Arabic backgrounds; health professionals; and policy makers understand the effects of air pollution and to stimulate policy action for clean air. We will jointly create and disseminate factsheets, infographics, podcasts, mobile app, policy briefings, media articles and an online course on air pollution and lung health. These resources will be culturally and/or linguistically adapted for Aboriginal and Arabic communities in bushfire prone regions to empower people with asthma to reduce their exposure.

Additional information on the project is available on the HEAL Network website.