24/09/2026
If current or retired firefighters who have been exposed to bushfire smoke and prescribed burns want to participate in the study can do so by completing the survey.
To participate: https://www.qimrb.edu.au/studies/r-fire
Career, volunteer and retired firefighters are needed to participate in a new study that will help build a clearer picture on firefighting risks.
The study has been launched by QIMR Berghofer investigating the links between bushfire smoke and long-term brain health.
Head of the institute's neurogenetics and dementia research group Associate Professor Michelle Lupton said there's research on the impacts of bushfires on the body but not the brain.
"A lot of research has gone into bushfire smoke in particular because of the really small particle size of the pollution in bushfire smoke," said Professor Lupton.
"But there hasn't been a lot of research in Australia and no research on firefighters and the effect of bushfire smoke exposure."
Professor Lupton told Chela Williams on ABC South West Mornings there is also evidence of links between bushfire smoke and dementia.
"Recent studies in the US are finding this link between small particle pollution and risk of dementia," she said.
"And because dementia's such a big health concern - it's now the leading cause of death in Australia, we want to try and reduce risk factors as much as possible."
The study is a first for Australia, a factor Professor Lupton said is significant.
"Bushfire smoke is different in different countries, dependent on the vegetation that's burning," she explained.
"For example, eucalyptus... the smoke is different, has different levels [of pollution particle matter] of PM2.5."
Firefighters who have been exposed to bushfire smoke and prescribed burns are encouraged to participate in the study by completing a survey.
To participate: https://www.qimrb.edu.au/studies/r-fire
Preliminary results are expected in 2027.
🎧Listen to the full interview: https://ab.co/4cYyOgq
