State of the Environment

2006

Indicator: A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas

Data

Highest daily maximum 8 hour CO concentrations - selected regional sites

Highest daily maximum 8 hour CO concentrations - selected regional sites

Source: Table A4.2 (p.200) of State of the Air Report

What the data mean

None of the regional centres monitored under the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality exceed the daily eight hour standard of nine parts per million. There is a general downward trend for most sites over the reporting period 1991 to 2001.

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 

The main sources of carbon monoxide are from motor vehicles and from wildfires and vegetation (e.g. hazard reduction) and agricultural burning.

Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin to reduce the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. Long term (chronic) exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may produce heart disease and damage to the nervous system. Exposure of pregnant women to carbon monoxide may cause low birthrates and nervous system damage to offspring.

Carbon monoxide increases the amount of other greenhouse gases (methane), and eventually oxidises into the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases are linked to global warming.

High levels of carbon monoxide will cause the same problems for animals that are experienced by us, although these levels are very unlikely to be encountered in the environment except during extreme events like bushfires. Exposure of pregnant animals to carbon monoxide may cause low birthrates and nervous system damage to the offspring. At high levels carbon monoxide will cause illness (fatigue, gastric upset) to animals. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon monoxide are a direct indicator for this pressure.

Other indicators for this issue:

Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality 

The main sources of carbon monoxide are from motor vehicles and from wildfires and vegetation (e.g. hazard reduction) and agricultural burning.

Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin to reduce the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. Long term (chronic) exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may produce heart disease and damage to the nervous system. Exposure of pregnant women to carbon monoxide may cause low birthrates and nervous system damage to offspring.

Carbon monoxide increases the amount of other greenhouse gases (methane), and eventually oxidises into the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases are linked to global warming.

Very high levels of carbon monoxide will cause the same problems for animals that are experienced by us, although these levels are very unlikely to be encountered in the environment except during extreme events like bushfires. At high levels carbon monoxide will cause illness (fatigue, gastric upset) to animals. Exposure of pregnant animals to carbon monoxide may cause low birthrates and nervous system damage to the offspring. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon monoxide are a direct indicator for this pressure.

Other indicators for this issue:

Further Information

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