Increased Risk of Lung Disease Due to Australian Wildfires...City Paralysis Including Airport Runway Closures

Australian Government Distributes 3.5 Million Masks

Melbourne Airport Runway Closed Due to Australian Bushfire Smoke

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] As the Australian bushfires continue into their fifth month, Australians have been exposed to smoke for an extended period, posing serious health risks. Additionally, the smoke spreading into major cities has caused flight cancellations, fire alarms ringing in high-rise buildings, and widespread disruption of urban functions, leading to various forms of chaos.

According to an AP report on the 15th, not only Australia's largest cities Sydney and Melbourne but also Canberra have been rated among the most polluted cities in the world over the past few weeks. Since the fires began in September last year, at least 27 people have died and over 2,600 homes have been destroyed, with the scale of losses from the fires exceeding that of the U.S. state of Indiana.

Beyond the loss of life and property caused by the fires, the bushfire smoke is also threatening the health of Australians. Brian Oliver, a professor at Sydney University of Technology, stated, "Exposure to bushfire smoke can worsen asthma and lung diseases," adding, "Not only children, the elderly, and smokers but also healthy individuals are at higher risk of bronchitis and pneumonia."

Some studies indicate that on days with heavy smoke, emergency room visits due to heart attacks and strokes among existing heart disease patients increase, showing that the entire city faces a high potential risk from air pollution.

Wood smoke has been found to contain the same toxic chemicals as urban air pollutants. Research also shows that it contains soot particles 30 times thinner than human hair, which can penetrate the bloodstream through the respiratory system, causing inflammation and vascular damage.

NASA announced that smoke from the Australian bushfires is spreading across the Pacific Ocean and reaching around the globe.

In response, the Australian government has distributed 3.5 million masks.

The paralysis of cities due to smoke has also emerged as a significant problem. The Australian daily The Australian reported that Melbourne Airport closed one of its two runways due to reduced visibility caused by dense smoke from the bushfires.

With short visibility, dense smoke, and strong winds combined, dozens of flights have been canceled, and takeoffs and landings have been delayed.

According to Qantas Airways, Australia's largest airline, the Sydney-Melbourne routes, which have heavy air traffic, have been the most affected.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said, "Several schedules have been canceled due to conditions affecting aircraft operations," and urged, "Passengers should check with their airlines before coming to the airport."