Woodsmoke may be causing or exacerbating acute respiratory conditions, a study which examined an unnamed Central Otago town suggests.
Published in the latest New Zealand Medical Journal, research by Public Health South senior analyst Vanessa Hammond and colleague Sierra Alef-Defoe examined notes from more than 1800 GP consultations over a four-year period for breathing issues, and cross-referenced them with air pollution records for the town.
They found that after days when air pollution increased markedly, there was a discernable increase in GP presentations with respiratory issues, particularly for women and girls, and for Maori of either gender, within 24 hours.
The researchers also found that areas with a higher density of wood burners per hectare had higher rates of GP visits for acute respiratory infections.
"It is unlikely that either group has an inherent vulnerability to woodsmoke ... [but] it is important that in our efforts to reduce woodsmoke pollution, we do not compromise people’s ability to heat their homes.
The research strengthened the case for greater retrofitting of insulation to reduce the need for wood-burning fires.
"Homes inhabited by groups already disadvantaged by unjust systems, policies, and practices should be targeted first."
Similar studies have been carried out in Auckland, Christchurch, and overseas, but the new research was the first to consider woodsmoke pollution in a small community, and consider GP visits rather than more serious problems requiring emergency department admission.
"Our study adds to this underdeveloped research area, and further indicates that residential wood burning may be associated with adverse respiratory health effects."
The article did not name the town for ethical reasons, Dr Hammond said.
The Otago Regional Council supplied the air quality readings for the research.
Council policy and science general manager Anita Dawe said Dr Hammond and Ms Alef-Defoe’s findings filled a data gap and would be useful for future planning.
The ORC is monitoring air quality in Milton, Mosgiel, Dunedin, Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell and Arrowtown this winter.
