Long-term health risks from bushfires 'unknown'

Australians face an unprecedented and potentially life-threatening health risk from smoke pollution caused by ongoing bushfires, respiratory physicians warn.

AMA vice-president Dr Chris Zappala.

The fires — which have claimed 27 lives, more than 2000 homes and at least 10 million hectares of land — have sent smoke billowing into major cities and across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.

Queensland thoracic physician and AMA