Air Pollution Crisis In Australia: Why It's A Concern

Air pollution is a significant issue in Australia, causing thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic costs annually. While Australia's air quality is relatively good compared to other countries, it still falls short of World Health Organization standards, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The problem is exacerbated by bushfires, industrial emissions, and wood heater smoke in built-up areas, with particulate matter (PM2.5) being the most hazardous pollutant. The Australian government is targeting efforts to manage PM2.5 levels, but public understanding of the health impacts of air pollution remains limited.

The impact on health

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Australia, with significant impacts on the health of its citizens. The problem is linked to various factors, including energy generation, home heating methods, transport systems, and climate change. While Australia generally experiences good air quality, certain events and industries can temporarily degrade it, releasing pollutants that negatively affect people's health.

One of the most vulnerable groups to the adverse health effects of air pollution are older adults. The ageing population in Australia faces increased risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and lung diseases due to exposure to polluted air. Additionally, air pollution can worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, leading to more frequent hospitalisations and emergency department visits. This is particularly evident in areas with higher levels of air pollution, such as western Sydney, where residents like Kerry-Ann Weirick have experienced a decline in their asthma condition.

Pregnant people and unborn babies are another vulnerable group. Air pollution can affect the growth, development, and overall health of the foetus, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, young children are also susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, which can impact their growth, development, and long-term health.

Air pollution in Australia is linked to a range of non-communicable diseases. The fine particulate matter, PM2.5, which are microscopic particles of 2.5 microns in diameter, can penetrate deep into the human system. These particles can enter the lungs, bloodstream, brain, and other organs, increasing the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and neurological issues. The sources of these particles include diesel trucks, wood heaters, and industrial emissions.

Furthermore, air pollution also exacerbates communicable diseases. It increases the risk and severity of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19. This is especially concerning for individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions and those from socially disadvantaged populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The impact of air pollution on health in Australia is not limited to physical ailments but extends to mental health as well. Dementia, for instance, is recognised as one of the non-communicable diseases influenced by air pollution. The presence of pollutants in the air can contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia.

Climate change

Australia generally enjoys good air quality. However, air pollution is a pressing issue that demands urgent national action. It is linked to more than 3,200 deaths per year, costing the country an estimated A$6.2 billion. The problem is exacerbated by climate change, an ageing population, population growth, urbanisation, and increasing energy and transport demands.

Dust storms are another consequence of climate change, particularly in regions with low soil moisture and sparse vegetation. Climate change can worsen the conditions that enable dust storms by increasing temperatures, reducing rainfall, and causing droughts. These storms can have far-reaching effects, as seen in the 2020 dust storm that stretched for several thousand kilometres, even reaching New Zealand.

To combat these issues, Australia has implemented various measures. The country has set strict standards for PM2.5 pollution, with plans to further reduce these levels by 2025. However, reports indicate that Australia's standards for sulphur dioxide pollution are among the most lax in the world, with power stations emitting high levels of sulphur dioxide emissions. The National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs) aim to protect human health by setting standards for ambient air quality, but there is evidence that some pollutants have no safe level of exposure.

Reducing air pollution is crucial for mitigating climate change, as they share common drivers such as fuel combustion. Decarbonising energy and transport systems, greening cities, and improving urban planning can help improve air quality and reduce the health and economic impacts of air pollution. Additionally, addressing bushfire prevention and reducing the use of wood heaters in built-up areas can lessen the impact of climate change on air pollution.

Bushfires

The smoke from the bushfires also affected water quality. Ash from the fires landed in water catchments, increasing nutrient concentrations and stimulating the growth of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. This excess algal growth can cause water quality problems, including poor taste, odour, and sometimes the presence of toxic chemicals.

To combat the bushfires, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, deployed 3,000 army, navy, and air force reservists, committed AU$20 million to lease firefighting aircraft, and distributed 450,000 air pollution masks to high-risk members of the public.

While bushfire pollution typically does not cause as much lasting damage as traffic or industry pollution, the prolonged duration of the 2019-2020 bushfires meant that experts classified it as a medium-term exposure, with a 10% rise in hospital admissions in Sydney attributed to the hazardous air quality.

Poor air quality standards

Australia's air quality is generally good, but it can be affected by specific events and industries, leading to poor air quality standards in certain areas. The country's air quality is measured by the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (Air NEPM), which sets standards for seven pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and sulphur dioxide. While most pollutants meet these standards, particulate matter and ozone frequently exceed the 24-hour exposure limits, making them Australia's main pollutants of concern.

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is of particular concern due to its impact on human health. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the human system and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues. While all Australian cities have maintained a 'very good' assessment for PM2.5 since 2016, peak levels still exceed the Air NEPM standard. Peak ozone levels are also increasing across the country.

Australia's standards for sulphur dioxide pollution have been criticised as being among the most lax in the world, set at 11 times higher than the World Health Organisation's recommended limit. This has led to domestic power stations emitting higher levels of sulphur dioxide than those in other countries. Additionally, Australia's standards for PM2.5 pollution are stricter than in other countries, with an annual mean concentration of 8 μg/m3, planned to decrease to 7 μg/m3 by 2025. However, this is still higher than the WHO's recommended level of 5 μg/m3, highlighting a gap in air quality standards.

Wood heater smoke in built-up areas during winter also contributes to localised air pollution, particularly in Sydney, where it is the single largest source of small particulate pollution. A transition away from wood burners and urban smoke management is necessary to improve air quality in these areas.

Overall, Australia's air quality standards are a complex issue, with some pollutants meeting the set standards while others, such as particulate matter and ozone, consistently exceeding them. The country's standards for certain pollutants, like sulphur dioxide, have been criticised as too lax, while its standards for PM2.5 are stricter than some other nations. Addressing these disparities and reducing particulate matter and ozone pollution will be crucial in improving Australia's air quality and protecting the health of its citizens.

Industrial emissions

Australia's air quality is generally good, but it can be affected by specific events and industries, which may cause localised air pollution. Industrial emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Australia, with certain areas of concern.

Port Pirie in South Australia and Mount Isa in Queensland have been identified as areas where industrial emissions are a concern for residents. The smelting operations in these regions release hazardous substances, including sulfur dioxide, which can cause health issues such as heart and lung disease. A planned upgrade to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions at Port Pirie has faced delays, prolonging the exposure of residents to these harmful emissions.

National Standards and International Comparisons

Australia has implemented the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (Air NEPM) to manage air quality. This framework focuses on seven pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and sulphur dioxide. While Australia's standards for PM2.5 pollution are among the strictest globally, its sulphur dioxide standards are notably lax, allowing higher emissions than those permitted in China and the European Union. This discrepancy highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect the health of Australians from harmful industrial emissions.

Particulate Matter and Health Risks

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is a significant concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the human body upon inhalation. These microscopic particles can enter the lungs, bloodstream, brain, and other organs, increasing the risk of various health conditions. The health impacts of PM2.5 include lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, strokes, neurological issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Australia's standards for PM2.5 aim for a reduction to 7 µg/m3 by 2025, but many parts of Sydney and Wollongong currently exceed this target, underscoring the urgency of addressing industrial emissions to safeguard public health.

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