Air Monitoring Helps to Warn Those Sensitive to Air Pollution in Sydney
According to the New South Wales Government’s Air Forecast, there has
been an increase in pollutants including ozone and motor vehicle
emissions which have compromised Sydney’s air quality. Such pollutants
are making Sydney’s air unhealthy for sensitive people and those who
suffer from asthma, hayfever and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To assist those particularly affected, the Department of Environment and
Climate monitors air pollutants around Sydney daily. With a website
updated hourly, information is now provided on the major air pollutants
in your area which is essential to understanding and reducing potential
risks.
Click here to
view current air quality in Sydney
Air Quality in Victoria
The Victorian EPA has a established a website detailing and rating
air quality across Victoria. To find out more about your air, visit:
EPA Victoria Air Quality.
The known and unknown effects of air pollution
Awareness of air pollution is important as it affects everyone
differently. You may not be aware of, or suffer from the direct affects
of air pollution however; it may be impacting your health. This is why
knowing how air pollution affects you and your family is important. To
learn about how air pollutants can affect your health and wellbeing, NSW
Health has compiled :
"Air Pollution Health Alerts: What They Mean To You"
Link found between hospital admissions and air quality in Victoria
A study commissioned by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of
Victoria has shown on days of higher air pollution, there is an increase
in hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
These were linked to elevated levels of air pollutants including: ozone,
nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and carbon monoxide which inflame the
airways exacerbating asthma and allergy symptoms and leading to higher
emergency room attendances particularly for the elderly. Click below to
read the full article
"Ambient Air Pollution and Daily Hospital Admissions in Melbourne 1994-1997"
A further study was conducted by the EPA in Melbourne linking the
higher air pollution levels caused by vehicle and industrial emissions
to an increase in daily mortality rates.
Read more on the results of
this study here
CSIRO study to discover the risks of poor air quality in homes
The CSIRO are conducting a funded study to test the air quality in 40 homes across Melbourne. Their aim is to discover the sources of air pollutants in private residences and the impact they have on their occupants’ health. However, in order to conduct this fundamental research, volunteers from Melbourne are needed. If you are interested and want to read more, please follow the link below.
"CSIRO Melbourne air quality survey volunteer call"
Poor indoor air quality can increase COPD
A study undertaken by researchers in Scotland found that air
pollutants indoors can be 40 times more concentrated than recommended
levels. The research found high degrees of minute particle pollution in
household air that diminishes the health of people with COPD (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease).
Click here to read more on the findings
of this study: