Air Pollution In Australia: A Growing Concern?

Australia generally has good air quality, but air pollution is still a problem in the country. Air pollution is the world's greatest environmental cause of preventable disease and premature death, and in Australia, it is linked to more than 3,200 deaths a year. The Australian government has set a standard for PM2.5 air pollution, with an annual mean concentration target of 8 μg/m3, planned to be lowered to 7 μg/m3 by 2025. However, many parts of Sydney and Wollongong exceed this level, especially in more disadvantaged areas. Sources of air pollution in Australia include combustion in vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters.

The impact of air pollution on disadvantaged people

Australia has relatively low levels of air pollution compared to other countries. However, the impacts of air pollution are more severe in areas with higher numbers of disadvantaged people. For instance, parts of western Sydney, especially around Bankstown and Parramatta, are hotspots for air pollution, with some of the highest levels in the country.

The Australian government has set a standard for PM2.5 air pollution, limiting it to an average of 8 micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m3) annually. The goal is to reduce this to 7µg/m3 by 2025. Nevertheless, many parts of Sydney and Wollongong, particularly disadvantaged areas, exceed the current standard. The World Health Organization recommends a threshold of 5µg/m3.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, with particles 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, bloodstream, brain, and other organs. Exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of various diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and neurological issues. It also contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and makes communicable diseases like influenza and COVID-19 worse.

Disadvantaged populations, including socially disadvantaged groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution. They are at higher risk of worse health outcomes from exposure. This inequality is further compounded by the fact that these vulnerable groups have less ability to reduce their exposure, whether through moving to less polluted areas, engaging policymakers, or renovating their homes.

Reducing air pollution is, therefore, a powerful opportunity to address health inequities in Australia. It is an investment in the health, environment, economy, and social equity of the country.

The sources of air pollution in Australia

Australia's air pollution comes from a range of both natural and human-made sources. Significant human-influenced sources include combustion in vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters.

In urban areas, motor vehicles and road traffic are the main source of air pollution. Australia has one of the world's highest rates of private vehicle ownership, with more than 90% of homes owning at least one registered motor vehicle. The use of private transport is very high in Australia, and the combustion of fuel contributes significantly to the levels of air pollutants. Vehicle emissions produce gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide, as well as particulate matter.

Domestic wood heating is a major source of air pollution during the winter months in Australia, contributing at least 50% of winter ambient particulate matter. In Sydney, domestic wood heaters are the single largest source of small particulate pollution, contributing to 19% of primary PM2.5 emissions, despite only 4.4% of residents using them as their main heating source.

Natural sources of air pollution in Australia include dust storms and wildfires. Dust storms occur when strong winds lift dust and dirt from the ground and carry them high into the atmosphere. The main sources of dust in Australia are dry lakes and deserts, with the Lake Eyre basin being the main source. Wildfires, such as the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires, also contribute significantly to air pollution and have been linked to 400 deaths and 4,500 hospitalisations and emergency department visits.

Industrial emissions are generally well-controlled in Australia, with recent improvements in the emissions of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury. However, industrial emissions at Port Pirie (South Australia) and Mount Isa (Queensland) continue to be a concern for local residents, with a delay in implementing a major upgrade to smelting operations that would reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.

The health effects of air pollution

Australia's air quality is generally considered good when compared to other countries, especially those in South and East Asia. However, air pollution, even at low levels, can still have significant health impacts on the population.

The economic impact of air pollution

Australia has relatively low levels of air pollution compared to other countries. However, air pollution is still a significant concern, particularly in disadvantaged areas, and it has a substantial economic impact on the country.

The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution in Australia, with vehicle engines, road traffic, and industrial processes being significant sources. The use of private transport is very high in Australia, with more than 90% of homes owning at least one registered motor vehicle. This contributes to the country's high levels of nitrogen dioxide, a harmful air pollutant. Domestic wood heaters are also a significant source of particulate pollution, especially in Sydney, where they contribute to 19% of primary PM2.5 emissions.

The impacts of air pollution are felt disproportionately by disadvantaged communities, with higher pollution levels and greater health risks in these areas. This inequality underscores the importance of effective policy measures to reduce air pollution and its associated economic and health burdens. Australia's national ambient air quality standards set a limit of PM2.5 air pollution to average 8 µg/m3 annually, with a goal to reduce this to 7 µg/m3 by 2025. However, many parts of Sydney and Wollongong exceed this level, highlighting the need for improved air quality management.

Reducing air pollution in Australia offers a significant opportunity for positive change. Even modest improvements in air quality can deliver measurable health and economic benefits, with potential returns in the form of lower health costs, a healthier population, and increased productivity. Coordinated national leadership and policies that address diverse sources of pollution are crucial to achieving these goals and ensuring safer air for all Australians.

The government's role in reducing air pollution

Australia has relatively low levels of air pollution compared to other countries. However, air pollution is still a problem, particularly in areas with more socioeconomically disadvantaged people. The Australian government has a crucial role in reducing air pollution and protecting public health.

The government works with state and territory governments to set national objectives for air quality and emissions through the National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs). The NEPMs apply to seven pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and sulphur dioxide (SO2). While Australia's air quality meets the standards for most of these pollutants, particulate matter and ozone are the main concerns, with PM2.5 being the most hazardous to citizens' health.

The National Clean Air Agreement, signed in 2015, provides a framework for joint action between the federal, state, and territory governments to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. The Agreement includes measures such as setting national standards, regulating imports of polluting products, and addressing vehicle emissions. The Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions was established to review and reduce vehicle emissions, including the implementation of fuel efficiency standards and emission testing arrangements.

The government also has policies and programs related to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing that climate change will increase pressure on air quality. For example, Australia has one of the highest rates of private vehicle ownership, and road traffic is a significant source of air pollution. The government aims to reduce emissions from new and imported vehicles through national vehicle emissions standards.

Despite these efforts, more urgent action is needed. Air pollution in Australia is linked to over 3,200 deaths per year and has significant economic costs. It increases the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, older adults, and First Nations people.

To effectively tackle air pollution, a coordinated national leadership approach is required, addressing diverse sources such as coal-fired power stations, vehicle emissions, and wood heaters. The People's Clean Air Action Plan, developed by community and health groups, calls for state governments to implement measures to reduce toxic emissions and prioritize public health over polluters' interests.

Frequently asked questions