Air Quality Categories are measurements of key air pollutants monitored over relevant periods of time (from 1 to 8 hours depending on the pollutant) and provide at-a-glance information so that you can change your plans if pollution levels are high.

(The Air Quality Categories and colour indicators are provided by the New South Wales Government). 

Air Quality Category	Sensitive Groups including: People with a heart or lung condition including asthma People over the age of 65 Children and babies Pregnant people	Everyone else
Good	No change needed to your normal outdoor  activities.	No change needed to your normal outdoor activities.
Fair	Reduce outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath.  Consider closing windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better.  Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.  If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	No change needed to your normal outdoor activities.
Poor	Avoid outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath.  When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better.  Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.  If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance	Reduce outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.
Very Poor	Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better.  If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so.   Actively monitor symptoms and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.  If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	Avoid outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.   When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better.   If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Extremely Poor	Stay indoors with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better and reduce indoor activity.  If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so.  Actively monitor symptoms and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor.  If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed until   outdoor air quality is better.  If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so.  If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.  In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

 

PM 2.5 (fine particles) 

 

Sources‍ 

Smoke from fires including woodfire heaters, bushfires, hazard reduction burns; car and truck exhaust; industry. 

Impacts 

These particles are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.  The most common impacts are irritation to eyes, nose and throat. Because they’re so tiny, they can be inhaled into the lungs causing breathing problems and asthma flare-ups.   From the lungs, the smaller particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body that, over time, can increase the risk of many conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Exposure to PM2.5 has also been linked with very small increases in the risk of earlier than expected births, slightly lower birth weight, and some complications of pregnancy like gestational diabetes. 

 

PM10

Sources‍ 

PM10 is generated from smoke from fires including woodfire heaters, bushfires, hazard reduction burns; car and truck exhaust and industry, sea salt and dust.  PM10 levels can increase with wind-blown dust because these particles tend to be larger (such as dust from unsealed roads).

Impacts‍ 

PM10 particles are less than 10 micrometres in diameter, so PM10 includes those fine particles grouped as PM2.5 as well as coarser particles.   The most common impacts of PM10 are irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.   PM10 can cause and worsen symptoms of asthma (cough, difficulty breathing, wheeze and chest tightness) and heart conditions. 

 

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

  

Sources 

The most common source of NO2 is the exhaust from trucks and cars, but it is also produced by other kinds of combustion including gas heaters and cookers, coal-fired power stations, ships, and industry. 

Impacts‍ 

Exposure to NO2 can irritate the airways and lungs. It is linked to the development of asthma in children and asthma symptoms. In people with asthma, exposure to NO2 can increase the risk of developing lung infections, increase the risk of reacting to triggers like pollen or exercise, and worsen asthma potentially causing more frequent asthma attacks. NO2 may also be associated with reduced lung function. 

 

Ozone (O3)

  

Sources‍ 

Ground level O3 is created by a chemical reaction between other gaseous pollutants (like NO2) and volatile organic compounds.  This happens when pollutants emitted by car and truck exhaust, industry, coal fired power stations, or bushfire smoke react with sunlight.  O3 is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot and sunny days in urban and rural environments. 

Impacts‍ 

O3 irritates the upper airways and gets into the lung. Exposure to O3 can cause irritation of eyes, nose, throat and lower airways triggering breathing problems and asthma. Long-term exposure to ozone can be a cause of reduced lung function and chronic lung disease. Sensitive groups include children, the elderly and those with lung conditions. 

 

Sulfur dioxide (So2)  

Sources  

A colourless gas with a strong pungent smell produced when burning sulfur containing fossil fuels and mineral ores. When it combines with water, it forms sulfuric acid, the main component of acid rain. 

Impacts  

Harmful to those most at risk. Exposure will cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. High exposure is linked with asthma symptoms and attacks leading to increased hospitalisation for breathing difficulty.  

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Sources  

A colourless and odourless gas that forms the carbon contained in fuels doesn’t burn completely. While outdoors carbon monoxide is usually sourced from motor vehicles, industry and bushfires, indoors CO is formed by unflued gas heaters, wood-burning heaters and cigarette smoking. 

Carbon monoxide levels are typically higher during cold weather as cold temperatures makes combustion less complete and traps pollutants close to the ground. 

Impacts 

Carbon Monoxide causes health effects but is most likely to cause harm when allowed to build up inside, such as from gas appliances. It can be harmful for pregnant women and the health of their babies and people with heart conditions. It reduces the amount of oxygen getting to the body’s organs – heart and brain – and tissues. High exposure results in flu-like symptoms (headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue).  

Even at low levels, car and traffic exhaust, dust, smoke and industry emissions can impact your health when you’re outside. Although you can’t control the quality of the air outside, you can take simple steps to reduce how much pollution you breathe in. For sensitive groups, it’s important to follow medical advice and have access to medicines and inhalers as recommended. Here are some ways you can be AirSmart when you’re out and about. 

1. Download the AirRater air quality and pollen app 

Download the app and opt-in for notifications, so you can be alerted when the air quality outside is poor so you can plan your daily activities and better protect your health. 

2. When exercising 

When exercising, avoid busy or main roads or industrial areas. Whenever you cycle, run, walk or skate, try to use green spaces or back streets. 

3. Car air-conditioner  

To reduce exposure to car and truck related pollution, set your car air conditioner to recirculate and close the windows when driving. 

4. School pick up  

At school pick up time, park and walk to the gate to collect your kids. Try not to idle your car outside pick up zones where children gather as this can contribute to poor air quality. If possible, have your kids walk or ride a bike to school. 

5. Planning your activities  

Arrange your activities to breathe in cleaner air. During cooler months, some parts of Australia are exposed to smoke from woodfire heaters, but it’s less common in the middle of the day than in the morning or evening. 

6. Know your local sources 

Identify local sources of air pollution. Some people live near industrial areas, in mining communities, in areas where woodfire heaters are used, or close to bushland where hazard reduction burns or bushfires may occur. Being conscious of the risks in your local area will help you avoid or minimise exposure to air pollution. 

7. Use your senses 

If you don’t have access to local air quality information, use your senses and take action if you can see or smell smoke or dust. Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better.  Run an air purifier if you have one. If you need to go out, wear a well-sealed P2 or N95 facemask (not a surgical or cloth mask).  

8. Call for help 

If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor.