State of the Environment

2006

Indicator: A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas

Data

Highest daily maximum 1-hour SO2 concentrations (ppm) by monitoring station 1991-2001 - regional
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Newcastle - NSW 0.027
Wallsend NSW 0.073 0.059 0.08 0.101 0.063 0.074 0.041 0.049
Albion Park NSW 0.034 0.055 0.033 0.042 0.034
Warrawong NSW 0.162 0.058 0.051 0.11 0.162
Wollongong NSW 0.192 0.031 0.019 0.043 0.033 0.041 0.031 0.03
Geelong Vic 0.051 0.049 0.078 0.076 0.088 0.032 0.038 0.032 0.029 0.037
Traralgon Vic 0.066 0.062 0.032 0.077 0.049 0.032 0.116 0.055 0.032 0.061 0.063
Moe Vic 0.028 0.036 0.047 0.043 0.025 0.033 0.047 0.032 0.03 0.039 0.034
Barney Point Qld 0.011 0.052 0.075 0.07 0.168 0.083 0.049 0.076 0.051 0.092 0.068
Menzies (Mt Isa) Qld 0.673 0.54 0.718 0.688 0.443 0.598 0.3 0.693 0.675 0.584 0.581
Hope Valley WA 0.116 0.208 0.343 0.191 0.076 0.076 0.045 0.061 0.064 0.079 0.044
Wattleup WA 0.103 0.119 0.205 0.095 0.09 0.082 0.065 0.061 0.06 0.046 0.074
Rockingham WA 0.015 0.114 0.056 0.126 0.074 0.057 0.039 0.047 0.047 0.034 0.028
Kalgoorlie WA 0.399 0.66 0.369 0.382 1.045 0.47 0.443 0.194 0.175 0.184 0.238
NEPM 1-hour standard 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

Source: Table A4.30 (p.244) of State of the Air Report

Number of days with daily maximum 1-hour SO2 > 0.20 ppm - regional
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Newcastle - NSW 0
Wallsend NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Albion Park NSW 0 0 0 0 0
Warrawong NSW 0 0 0 0 0
Wollongong NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Geelong Vic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Traralgon Vic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Moe Vic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Barney Point Qld 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Menzies (MT Isa) Qld 28 25 24 20 11 16 8 16 17 31 42
Hope Valley WA 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wattleup WA 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rockingham WA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kalgoorlie WA 12 15 9 8 5 4 2 0 0 0 1

Source: Table A4.29 (p.243) of State of the Air Report

What the data mean

Most regional monitoring sites show either a decrease in or fairly constant levels of sulphur dioxide concentrations over the reporting period, 1991 to 2001. All sites currently meet the National Environment Protection Measure standard for sulphur dioxide concentrations except for Menzies, Queensland and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Menzies, which is located in the industrial town of Mount Isa, had a high number of days where the standard was exceeded.

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 - Regional air quality 

Sulphur dioxide is formed when sulphur-containing fuels are burnt. Generally, the low sulphur content of fuels in Australia means that sulphur dioxide is not a pollutant of concern, particularly in capital cities. The major sources are power plants, refineries and smelters.

Exposure to concentrations of ten to fifty parts per million for five to fifteen minutes causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, choking and coughing. Exposure of the eyes to liquid sulphur dioxide from an industrial accident, for example, can cause severe burns, resulting in the loss of vision. On the skin it produces burns. Other health effects include headache, general discomfort and anxiety. Those with impaired heart or lung function and asthmatics are at increased risk. Repeated or prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage.

It has also proved to be harmful to the reproductive systems of animals and caused developmental changes in their newborn. Even low concentrations of sulphur dioxide can harm plants and trees and reduce crop productivity. Higher levels, and especially the acidic deposits from acid rain, will adversely affect both land and water ecosystems. Atmospheric concentrations of sulphur dioxide is a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality 

Sulphur dioxide is formed when sulphur-containing fuels are burnt. Generally, the low sulphur content of fuels in Australia means that sulphur dioxide is not a pollutant of concern, particularly in capital cities. The major sources are power plants, refineries and smelters.

Exposure to concentrations of ten to fifty parts per million for five to fifteen minutes causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, choking and coughing. Exposure of the eyes to liquid sulphur dioxide from an industrial accident, for example, can cause severe burns, resulting in the loss of vision. On the skin it produces burns. Other health effects include headache, general discomfort and anxiety. Those with impaired heart or lung function and asthmatics are at increased risk. Repeated or prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage.

It has also proved to be harmful to the reproductive systems of animals and caused developmental changes in their newborn. Even low concentrations of sulphur dioxide can harm plants and trees and reduce crop productivity. Higher levels, and especially the acidic deposits from acid rain, will adversely affect both land and water ecosystems. Atmospheric concentrations of sulphur dioxide is a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Further Information

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