QIMR Berghofer is launching an Australian-first research project to investigate how exposure to bushfire smoke and frontline firefighting conditions may impact long-term brain health, with a focus on conditions like dementia.
The Rural Firefighter Investigation of Risk & Exposure: Brain Health (R-FIRE) study aims to build a clearer understanding of the potential risks associated with firefighting, with findings expected to inform future health advice, prevention strategies, and support services for firefighters.
The study will bring together detailed information about firefighters’ operational experiences and broader health and lifestyle factors. Researchers are particularly interested in how long term exposure to bushfire smoke may affect health outcomes.
Head of QIMR Berghofer’s Neurogenetics and Dementia Research Group, Associate Professor Michelle Lupton, says bushfire smoke has unique properties that aren’t fully understood.
“We know that people with high exposure to bushfire smoke can experience impacts on their lungs and general health, but we really don’t yet understand the long-term effects on the brain,” she said.
“Bushfire smoke has very small particles called PM2.5 that can enter our bloodstream and even the brain, and we want to investigate if this could increase inflammation and our future risk of dementia.”
Participation in the study is confidential, de-identified and involves completing an online survey. The questionnaire will focus specifically on firefighting experiences, including exposure to bushfire smoke, use of protective equipment and perceived health impacts.
Study lead Dr Jodi Thomas says the survey will provide an initial snapshot of exposure for a group of people known to have come into regular contact with PM2.5 particles.
“We’re asking firefighters to share information about their exposure and health so we can explore whether bushfire smoke has any impact on their risk of dementia,” she said.
“This study is about filling a major knowledge gap. There hasn’t been much research on how bushfire smoke affects brain health, and we need to understand that to better protect people in the future.”
By examining the long-term effects of firefighting, the R-FIRE study aims to generate evidence that can directly support the health and wellbeing of firefighters - particularly those in rural and regional communities who face repeated exposure to bushfire events.
The findings are expected to contribute to improved prevention strategies and add to the growing knowledge around early intervention treatments for dementia.