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Air quality

Learn about air quality in the ACT and how you can prepare for, manage, and recover from poor air quality events.

Check current air quality readings

The weather is getting more extreme because of climate change. These extremes can cause poor air quality. Exposure to poor air quality can lead to health issues such as:

  • irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
  • more serious conditions such as lung (breathing) and heart problems (or diseases).

What causes poor air quality

High level of pollutants like smoke from fires, pollen, and dust cause poor air quality.

  • The smoke from bushfires consists of tiny particles of burnt objects. These particles irritate and can damage your airways.
  • Pollen can cause health issues for some people. It is common for the ACT to have high levels of pollen. Storms and strong winds can fill the air with pollen.
  • Dry soil and strong winds combine to form dust storms. Droughts in western NSW have led to more frequent dust storms affecting the ACT. Dust in the air can make it difficult to breath.

Impacts and effects

Poor air quality can cause:

  • breathing and other health issues
  • a rise in the demand for emergency, medical and wellbeing services
  • disruptions to businesses
  • the economy to decline because of these impacts.

Who is most at risk

Poor air quality can affect everyone. Some people more than others, including:

  • people with health conditions such as heart and lung disease and asthma
  • older people
  • pregnant women
  • infants and young children
  • outdoor workers
  • people who may struggle to minimise their exposure.

Before a poor air quality event

Be informed

Talk to your doctor about how poor air quality might affect you.

Reduce the risk

Take these steps before poor air quality events to reduce your risk:

  • If you have asthma or other breathing issues, ask your doctor about having an action plan.
  • Make your house airtight by sealing gaps around doors and windows. Concession cardholders can get free support with draught-proofing.
  • Write a list of people you could ask for assistance during a poor air quality event.
Remain aware

Stay informed by:

  • checking air quality when there are bushfires, or when forecasts predict storms and strong winds
  • following ACT Health and ACT Emergency Services Agency social media channels.

During a poor air quality event

Stay informed

Monitor daily air quality ratings and advice on what you need to do to stay safe.

Other places you could receive warnings and updates are:

Stay in contact

Stay in contact with neighbours, friends, and loved ones. Reach out to your list of contacts if you need help.

If you or someone you know are feeling unwell:

In a medical emergency:

Stay safe

When air quality readings are poor:

  • Follow your asthma or medical action plan. If you have medication prescribed, carry it with you.
  • Stay inside. Keep the air in your home as clean as possible by closing doors, windows, and air vents. Turn on air conditioning to ‘recirculate’ or ‘recycle’ mode.
  • If you don’t have air conditioning, go to places that do, like cinemas and shopping centres.
  • Do not engage in outdoor exercise.

After a poor air quality event

  • If you experienced health concerns, talk to your doctor.
  • Check in with your neighbours, friends and loved ones.
  • Consider what worked, what didn’t work and what you might do differently next time.

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