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Air quality health advice for PM2.5

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) are very small particles in the air from sources such as smoke and motor vehicle exhaust. Because they are very small, they can be breathed deep into the lungs and affect your health.

Exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 can cause short and long-term health effects.

Short-term effects include:

  • coughing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Acute exposure to PM2.5 may worsen asthma and other chronic lung diseases.

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 can affect health over time.

Studies have linked long-term exposure to PM2.5 with an increased risk of:

  • cardiovascular disease
  • respiratory disease
  • other serious health conditions.

Reducing exposure to air pollution can help protect your health, particularly if you are more sensitive to the effects of air pollution.

People at higher risk

You are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5 if you:

  • have asthma or other lung conditions
  • have a heart condition
  • have diabetes
  • are pregnant
  • are aged over 65
  • are a baby or young child.

Check current PM2.5 air quality conditions and follow the health advice on this page.

Check current PM2.5 air quality in the ACT

See what today's PM2.5 air quality monitoring means for your health.

PM2.5 concentrations are measured and updated hourly through the ACT’s air quality monitoring stations. Check current readings regularly, particularly during smoke and dust events, as air quality can change quickly. During bushfires or dust storms, smoke or dust may be visible before it appears in air quality readings. You can also see other air pollutants we monitor.

What today's PM2.5 air quality monitoring means for your health

Good

Find out if you are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5

People at higher risk:

  • No change to your usual activities.

Everyone else:

  • No change to your usual activities.

Fair

Find out if you are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5

People at higher risk:

  • Check air quality levels and watch for symptoms.
  • Monitor any health conditions.

Everyone else:

  • Check air quality levels.
  • No change to your usual activities.

Poor

Find out if you are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5

People at higher risk:

  • Reduce outdoor activity, especially if you develop symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
  • Close windows and doors if conditions worsen.
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner, if available.
  • Wear a P2 or N95 mask. If you have trouble breathing while wearing a mask, remove it and talk to your doctor.
  • Go somewhere with cleaner air, like a library or shopping centre, if it is safe to do so.
  • Follow your health plan.
  • If you are concerned about symptoms, get medical help.

Everyone else:

  • Monitor air quality conditions.
  • Consider reducing exposure if air quality remains poor for more than one day.
  • Follow the advice above if you develop symptoms.

Very poor

Find out if you are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5

People at higher risk:

  • Avoid outdoor activity if you develop symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
  • Stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner, if available.
  • Wear a P2 or N95 mask. If you have trouble breathing while wearing a mask, remove it and talk to your doctor.
  • Go somewhere with cleaner air, like a library or shopping centre, if it is safe to do so.
  • Follow your health plan.
  • If you are concerned about symptoms, get medical help.

Everyone else:

  • Consider reducing outdoor activity.
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner, if available.
  • Wear a P2 or N95 mask.
  • Go somewhere with cleaner air, if it is safe to do so.

Extremely poor

Find out if you are at higher risk of health effects from exposure to PM2.5

People at higher risk:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
  • Reduce physical activity.
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner, if available.
  • Wear a P2 or N95 mask. If you have trouble breathing while wearing a mask, remove it and talk to your doctor.
  • Go somewhere with cleaner air, like a library or shopping centre, if it is safe to do so.
  • Follow your health plan
  • If you are concerned about symptoms, get medical help.

Everyone else:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use a HEPA air cleaner, if available.
  • Wear a P2 or N95 mask if you need to go outside.
  • Go somewhere with cleaner air, like a library or shopping centre, if it is safe to do so.
  • If you are concerned about symptoms, get medical help.

Get medical help

If smoke or dust is affecting your health, contact your doctor or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.

Call triple zero 000 immediately if you or someone in your care has:

  • trouble breathing
  • chest tightness
  • symptoms of a medical emergency, such as severe breathing difficulties, chest pain or collapse.

Related information

Read more about air quality monitoring, pollutants and forecasts: