Air Pollution In Australia: Understanding The Current Crisis

Australia generally enjoys good air quality, but the country is not immune to the dangers of air pollution. In fact, air pollution is linked to more than 3,200 deaths in Australia each year. Air pollution in Australia comes from a range of natural and human-made sources, including vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters. Natural sources of air pollution include dust storms and wildfires, which have become more common due to climate change. While Australia has implemented various measures to improve air quality, such as the National Clean Air Agreement and the Clean Air Plan for Sydney, the country continues to face challenges in reducing air pollution and protecting the health of its citizens.

Natural and human-made sources of air pollution

Australia's air pollution comes from a range of both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include dust storms, bushfires, windstorms, pollen, soil erosion, volcanic eruptions, sea spray, and lightning strikes.

Human-made sources of air pollution include combustion in vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters. Domestic wood heating is a major contributor to air pollution during the winter months in Australia, accounting for at least 50% of winter ambient particulate matter. In urban areas, motor vehicles and road traffic are the primary sources of air pollution. Australia has one of the highest rates of private vehicle ownership globally, with over 90% of households owning at least one registered motor vehicle.

Bushfires, which can be caused by both natural and human factors, have also been a significant cause of extreme air pollution events in Australia. The summer of 2019-2020, known as the "Black Summer", saw particularly devastating wildfires that burned over 17 million hectares of land and led to severe air quality issues. The smoke generated during this period is estimated to have caused more than 400 deaths and over 4,000 hospitalisations.

In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor air quality is also a concern, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant people, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Lead, for example, can be found in paints in homes and contaminated soil, posing health risks when inhaled or ingested.

Air pollution in Australia has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, is of particular concern as these microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the human system and cause a range of adverse health effects.

To address air pollution and improve air quality, Australia has implemented measures such as the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (Air NEPM), which sets standards for pollutants like carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. However, reducing air pollution requires a comprehensive approach, including transitioning away from fossil fuels, improving land use and urban planning, and implementing targeted programs to reduce pollution sources and minimise the population's exposure.

Air pollution and health

Australia generally enjoys good air quality, but this can be affected by specific events, such as dust storms and wildfires, or by certain industries. The 2019-2020 bushfires, for instance, caused some of the highest levels of air pollution in the world, with severe health consequences.

Air pollution is the world's greatest environmental cause of preventable disease and premature death. In Australia, it is linked to more than 3,200 deaths a year, at a cost of A$6.2 billion. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that about 3,000 deaths per year are attributable to urban air pollution, with health costs of $11-24 billion per year. Air pollution is a particular risk for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. It can cause short and long-term health issues, from decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms to heart disease, stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, lung diseases, and cancer.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the impact of air pollution on health and funds research into reducing workplace air pollution. The Bureau of Meteorology also works with state and territory fire agencies to protect Australians from the poor air quality caused by bushfires.

The Australian AQI system communicates air pollution levels to the public, with lower AQI numbers representing better air quality. During 2019, 13 of the top 15 most polluted cities for annual PM2.5 concentration were in New South Wales. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the most concerning pollutants for human health, and peak levels in all capital cities remain above the air quality NEPM standard.

Reducing air pollution requires a new approach from the government, with coordinated national leadership. While Australia does not suffer from hazardous levels of air pollution compared to some other countries, even small improvements to air quality can deliver measurable health and economic benefits.

Air pollution and climate change

Australia generally enjoys good air quality, being one of only seven countries that meet the clean air standards set by the World Health Organization. However, air pollution is a pressing issue that demands urgent national action. It is estimated that 3,200 deaths occur annually in Australia due to air pollution, with economic costs amounting to A$6.2 billion. The sources of air pollution in Australia are diverse, including both natural and human-made factors.

Natural sources of air pollution include dust storms, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Climate change-induced factors such as increasing global temperatures, limited rainfall, and droughts contribute to the occurrence of dust storms. For example, the thick dust storm that hit New South Wales in 2020, reducing visibility below 1 km, was triggered by extreme winds, drought conditions, and a low-pressure system.

Human-influenced sources of air pollution are also significant. Combustion in vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters contribute to air pollution. In urban areas, motor vehicles and road traffic are the primary sources of air pollution. While industrial emissions are generally well-controlled, emissions from specific locations, such as Port Pirie and Mount Isa, remain a concern for residents. Additionally, bushfires, particularly during the summer months, are a key reason for pollution spikes in Australia. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe bushfires, which further contribute to air pollution.

The Australian government has recognized the importance of addressing air pollution and has implemented various measures. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water is the main agency responsible for providing national guidance on maintaining air quality. The National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPMs) set standards for ambient air quality to protect human health. However, certain pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, frequently exceed the country's 24-hour exposure standards. As a result, Australia is facing the challenge of improving air quality while also addressing the impacts of climate change, which are closely interconnected.

To mitigate air pollution and its associated health risks, a range of interventions are necessary. These include decarbonizing energy and transport systems, greening cities, improving urban and housing design, and implementing bushfire prevention strategies. Additionally, public awareness and warning systems about air quality can help individuals protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution. While Australia has made progress in reducing industrial emissions of hazardous substances, further efforts are needed to address the diverse sources of air pollution and improve overall air quality.

Air pollution and population growth

Australia's air quality is generally considered to be among the cleanest in the world, ranking 10th in IQAir's 2019 World Air Quality Report. However, the country is susceptible to short-term extreme pollution spikes caused by natural events such as bushfires and dust storms. These events can temporarily push some areas in Australia to have the worst air quality globally.

Population growth and ageing, urbanisation, and increasing transport and energy demands contribute to the risks associated with air pollution, climate change, and population health. As cities are concentrated areas of high anthropogenic emissions, their expansion increases emissions and the number of people exposed to them. This leads to a heightened risk of summertime smogs and winter pollution. New suburbs and their associated transport connections contribute to the expansion of the road network, resulting in increased emissions from vehicles.

Motor vehicles, particularly in urban areas, are a significant source of air pollution. Australia has one of the highest rates of private vehicle ownership globally, with over 90% of households owning at least one registered motor vehicle. The use of private transport is prevalent, while the utilisation of public transportation and active travel, such as cycling or walking, is relatively low. This high reliance on private vehicles increases emissions and the concentration of pollutants in urban areas.

The burning of fossil fuels for energy generation, heating homes, and transport systems also contributes to air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a critical pollutant of concern, as it can cause a range of adverse health effects due to its ability to penetrate the human system upon inhalation and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to air pollution in Australia is linked to more than 3,200 deaths annually, with an estimated cost of A$6.2 billion.

To address these issues, effective policies and regulations must consider diverse sources, settings, and populations vulnerable to air pollution. Reducing air pollution brings numerous health, environmental, and social benefits. Strategies may include decarbonising energy and transport systems, greening cities, improving urban and housing design, and implementing bushfire prevention measures. Additionally, encouraging the use of public transportation and active travel, and reducing private vehicle reliance can significantly improve air quality in urban areas.

Government action on air pollution

Australia generally experiences good air quality, but air pollution is a pressing issue that requires urgent national action. The Australian government has implemented various measures and policies to address air pollution and improve air quality for its citizens.

One of the key government initiatives is the National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPMs), which include standards for seven pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). These standards are designed to protect human health and prevent respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In 2021, the NEPM limits were reduced for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide to further enhance air quality.

Additionally, Australia has established the National Clean Air Agreement (NCAA), which sets a framework for addressing air quality issues and implementing effective policies. The NCAA combines multiple strategies such as monitoring air quality, reducing emissions, fostering partnerships, and improving education and awareness. For example, initial actions under the NCAA included reducing emissions from wood heaters and non-road spark-ignition engines.

Recognising the impact of bushfires on air quality, the government has also focused on bushfire prevention strategies. The Clean Air Plan for Sydney recommended banning wood heaters in urban areas to mitigate the problem of wood heater smoke, which is more prevalent during winter months.

Furthermore, the government has set goals for reducing PM2.5 pollution, which is of particular concern due to its hazardous effects on human health. The current national standard is an annual mean concentration of 8 μg/m3, and the government aims to lower it to 7 μg/m3 by 2025.

While these actions demonstrate the government's commitment to improving air quality, experts emphasise that no single policy will adequately tackle air pollution. A comprehensive approach that considers diverse sources, settings, and populations at risk is necessary to address this complex issue effectively.

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