News Items

News Item - April 2004

"State of the Air: National Ambient Air Quality Status and Trends Report 1991-2001"

This new Australian Government report, published April 2004, " presents the first complete national picture of our urban air quality. The report brings together data over a ten year period from all States and Territories on six key pollutants. It is a comprehensive analysis of all Australia's major urban areas, and of the trends in air pollution over the decade. " +

The report focuses on six key air pollutants - carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, lead and airborne particles.

Whilst there have been significant declines in carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and lead, " ozone and airborne particle levels have remained relatively high (at or above the air quality standards) and are showing no consistent downward trend."

The two airborne particles sizes measured in the survey "have been associated with increased respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma, increased hospital admissions and premature death. The risk is highest for the elderly, children, and people with asthma or heart disease....and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and have been associated with increased hospital admissions for heart and lung diseases, and premature death." +

+ State of the Air: Community Summary 1991-2001

• Download the State of the Air: Community Summary 1991-2001 (PDF) or view the Executive Summary and download the full report.