Comparison of the impacts of dust storms and wildfires on people's lives in Australia

Rozálie Slavíčková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Air pollution caused by natural phenomena affects wildlife, nature, as well as human health. Dust storms and wildfires in Australia are the two phenomena that this work focuses on. Elevated PM particles represent a huge threat to humans. The smaller the PM particles are, the deeper they can get into the respiratory and circulatory system and cause health issues such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. The main goal of this work is to draw attention to dust storms and wildfires and compare their effects on human health. For this study, two big events are reviewed, one being the Eastern Australian dust storm in 2009 and the second being the wildfire season of the year 2019-2020. Respiratory problems are the most frequent impacts caused by dust storms and wildfires that need medical attention. For the second part of this work, a questionnaire was sent out to residents of Australia mapping their experience with the two phenomena. In total, 88% of participants felt that their life was more affected by wildfires than dust storms. About 60% of them encounter wildfires more often. As the results of the questionnaire were compared with the review information, wildfire events were more significantly influencing the lives of people, but dust storms were more likely to cause more serious health problems with longer-lasting effects.

Keywords

wildfire, dust storm, Australia, population health, questionnaire, comparison

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 27. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 29. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Pavla Dagsson Waldhauserová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Peter Kumble, doc.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Bachelor programme:
Environmental Engineering