2016  Particulate matter has been identified as a significant hazard to human health. Levels of PM10 now rarely exceed the national standard. However, the standard for fine particles (PM2.5)—which, until 2016, was an advisory limit only—is frequently exceeded because of events such as...

At a glance Since 1998, Australia has had national ambient air quality standards (National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality—Air NEPM), which set guideline levels for 7 key air pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter (less than 10 ...

2016 Ambient air quality Pressures Pollutants occur as gases (e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde) and PM. In air pollution, PM refers to solid and...

2016 Ambient air quality Introduction South East Coast Overall, the pressures on air quality remain very similar to those present in 2011: a growing population, greater urban density and...

Good air quality is essential for human health and the environment. Air quality is an important contributor to quality of life, and plays a role in the livability of our towns, cities and environment. Ambient air quality is determined by the types and amounts of pollutants emitted into the...

2016 Ambient air quality Pressures Murray Darling Greater Sydney Nonroad diesel engines and equipment are used in a wide variety of applications, including rail...

Atmosphere 2016Climate change is a global problem, and minimising its impact on the Australian environment will require coordinated international action by all countries. The Paris Agreement, to which 195 countries have agreed, aims to hold the increase in the...

At a glanceThe outlook for Australia’s urban air quality is generally good. However, there is strong evidence that periods of poor urban air quality can have serious adverse long-term and short-term impacts on human health (particularly on the health of susceptible individuals). Although...

2016 Ambient air quality Introduction South East Coast Greater Melbourne The major aim of monitoring and reducing air pollution is to reduce its adverse impacts on human...