Indicator: A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
Data
Highest daily average PM10 for capital cities, 1993-2001
Source: Table A4.41 (p.258) of State of the Air Report
| 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 15 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | |
| Melbourne | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| Brisbane | 3 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Perth | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| Darwin | 6 |
Source: Table A4.46 (p.263) of State of the Air Report
Highest daily average of PM2.5 for capital cities, 1993-2001
Source: Table A4.56 (p.276) of State of the Air Report
| 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 7 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | |||
| Melbourne | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 5 | |||
| Brisbane | 0 | 1 | 10 | 3 | |||||
| Perth | 7 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Source: Table A4.55 (p.275) of State of the Air Report
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 4 | 2 | |
| Melbourne | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Perth | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Adelaide | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | ||
| Hobart | 4 | 1 | |||||||||
| Canberra | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Table A4.46 (p.263) of State of the Air Report
What the data mean
Using the TEOM method of measurement, the data shows that all capital cities but Hobart currently exceed the National Environment Protection Measure for concentrations of inhalable particles (PM10) and most have experienced an increase in concentrations over the reporting period, 1993 to 2001. If the HiVol method of measurement is used, Hobart also exceeds the standards. Of the four cities that currently monitor respirable particles (PM2.5), all exceed the National Environment Protection Measure 24-hour advisory reporting standard.
Data Limitations
Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Atmosphere — Air quality - Urban air quality
Particles less than 10 micrometres (µm;) are referred to as PM10 and are called ‘inhalable particles’. Particles less than 2.5 µm; are known as PM2.5 or ‘respirable particles’.
The main sources of include motor vehicles, domestic wood heaters, bushfires and controlled burns, wind-blown dust, sea-salt, industrial facilities such as power stations, and photochemical processes.
The specific effects of particulate matter will depend on its composition, concentration and the presence of other pollutants such as acid forming gases. However, particles are associated with increased respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma, increased hospitalisation for heart and lung diseases, and premature death in humans and animals. Atmospheric concentrations of particles are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality
Particles less than 10 micrometres (µm;) are referred to as PM10 and are called ‘inhalable particles’. Particles less than 2.5 µm; are known as PM2.5 or ‘respirable particles’.
The main sources of include motor vehicles, domestic wood heaters, bushfires and controlled burns, wind-blown dust, sea-salt, industrial facilities such as power stations, and photochemical processes.
The specific effects of particulate matter will depend on its composition, concentration and the presence of other pollutants such as acid forming gases. However, particles are associated with increased respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma, increased hospitalisation for heart and lung diseases, and premature death in humans and animals. Atmospheric concentrations of particles are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
- A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas
- A-25 Concentrations of ozone in regional areas
- A-26 Concentrations of lead in regional areas
- A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas
- A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas
- A-29 Concentrations of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in regional areas
- A-30 Concentration of benzene in regional areas
- CO-70 Examples or case studies of localised impacts of windborne dust and smoke
Further Information
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