WHAT IS THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA?

Thunderstorm asthma events are believed to be triggered by an uncommon combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm, causing pollen grains from grasses to be swept up in the wind and carried long distances.

In 2016, a thunderstorm asthma event occurred in Melbourne, which claimed the lives of 10 people. Asthma Australia works together with State and Territory Health Departments to: 

• raise the awareness of the potential impact on people’s health and  
• help prepare the public to take action prior to the potential thunderstorm asthma events. 

The peak season for thunderstorm asthma are the spring months, many happening in October and November.

for more information please visit

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast