Common Air Quality Issues in Australia

Australia is a vibrant land with a variety of geographic and topographic areas. From bustling urban centres of industrialisation to sparsely populated corners of the continent, there is a wide variety of activity in Australia.

Like any developed country, the Commonwealth of Australia faces issues surrounding air quality. Industrial areas are especially suspect to air quality issues, which stem from several common factors you should know about.

The quality of air affects health, living conditions in towns and cities, and our surrounding environment. The major thing that impacts this quality is pollution caused by human activity, which can lead to health problems.

These health problems can affect the lungs and heart, as well as potentially causing cancer. The elderly, children, and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions are especially susceptible to damage from pollution.

For over 45 years, Australian Dynamic Technologies has been serving Australia in a variety of ways. As such, we have seen change over time when it comes to air quality in Australia.

In comparison to other parts of the world, Australia is fortunate enough to have clean air. However, this does not mean there is no work to be done. Australia is challenged daily to maintain and improve air quality while balancing population growth. This growth has led to more urbanisation as well as growing demands for transportation solutions and energy.

Australia is in a place where we have to balance growing population demands and the need to keep our air quality levels high. As cities expand and grow, so does the level of pollutants.

The source of pollutants range based on where in Australia you are. In densely populated urban centres, like Melbourne, the majority of outdoor pollution stems from vehicle emissions, particulates, and gases like carbon monoxide and ozone. Depending on the time of year, cities can also experience smog and dust storms that circulate pollutants.

Australians also spend a great deal of time indoors – which leads to issues around indoor pollutants. Indoor pollution plays a role in individual health as well as overall air quality.

Significant factors that contribute to indoor pollution concern include stoves and heaters without flues, animal fur or dander, mould, dust, chemicals from paint or glues, cigarette smoke, and more. These create a central hub of air quality issues that make the home unsafe for residents.

Furthermore, natural pollutants arise from natural events like windstorms, pollen, and bushfires. Dust storms reduce visibility as well as negatively affect air quality, often adversely affecting people’s health.

Many people experience breathing problems, asthma attacks, or allergic reactions. If exposed for too long, there is a risk for heart disease and chronic lung and breathing problems.

Improving air quality is the task of every citizen of Australia. Small actions like taking a bike or walk rather than driving ultimately steamroll into huge environmental impacts. Understanding how you individually contribute to the environment will help in the grand scheme of things.

Larger environmental impacts will come from industrial awareness of air quality concerns as cities grow and expand. Energy-efficient solutions that do not create harmful emissions are critical to maintaining and improving air quality control. Drones can help with environmental monitoring of air quality around industrial and commercial buildings.

If you want to take action, seek out your local council. The council can help with domestic pollution concerns and involve the environmental health department. On a broader scale, there is also the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Health. Both organisations can provide information regarding air quality and health. They accept reports on potential pollution concerns.

For expert advice on how to individually aid in improving Australia’s air quality through personal practice at home, contact the team at Australian Dynamic Technologies. Likewise if you are looking for a professional air quality monitor to assess your environment, we have a range of solutions available.