The health impacts from spending days shrouded in bushfire smoke is under investigation by a NSW Parliament committee.
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The multi-party committee was set up this week to look into the effects of the poor air quality since the bushfires began.
Cate Faehrmann is the Greens MP on the committee and she said the inquiry would look into what more could be done to deal with the risks of bushfire smoke.
"There are concerns that the government's response to the bushfire smoke crisis was inadequate, specifically about whether enough was done to inform people about the risks of bushfire smoke and what to do to stay safe," Ms Faehrmann said.
"We know that across the state there were shortages of P2 masks while emergency departments saw a spike in people presenting with respiratory issues.
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"Long-term exposure to bushfire smoke may have long-term negative impacts, however there is very little research in this area because it has never happened at this scale before."
The terms of reference include a focus on "at-risk groups", which include children, pregnant women, asthma sufferers, the elderly as well as companion animals.
The effectiveness of the government's response, including the public awareness campaign, the supply of face masks and air purifiers and the effect on work, health and safety regulations will also be under the microscope.
Keira MP and Labor's health spokesman Ryan Park welcomed the inquiry and was critical of the government's response to the bushfire smoke.
"The Liberals and Nationals have been nowhere to be seen as the state has suffered through some of the worst air quality on record," Mr Park said.
"Gladys Berejiklian and [Health Minister] Brad Hazzard failed to provide regular advice and guidance to people across the state about how to stay safe during the haze."
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has described the impacts of the bushfire smoke as a brewing "public health crisis".
Public submissions to the inquiry close on March 13.