Air pollution
Air pollution occurs when the air contains substances in quantities that could harm the health of humans and animals, or could damage plants or materials. These substances are known as air pollutants.
Air pollutants are chemicals, physical (e.g. particles) or biological agents that modify the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Some come from natural sources while others are caused by human activities, such as use of motor vehicles, or from domestic activities, industry and business.
Pollutants that directly pollute the air are known as primary pollutants. These include carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, primarily from car exhausts, and sulfur dioxide from the combustion of fuels. Pollution is also caused when primary pollutants in the atmosphere undergo chemical reactions, resulting in compounds known as secondary pollutants, of which photochemical smog is a typical example. Natural sources of particle pollution include wind blown dust and smoke from bush fires.
In the natural environment, the atmosphere is capable of keeping itself clean as vegetation absorbs some of the pollutants, particularly carbon dioxide, wind mixes and disperses them, and rain washes them from the air. However, with more urbanisation and industrialisation, more pollutants are released into the atmosphere and when the concentration of the pollutants exceeds safe levels, this creates problems with health and the environment.
For the majority of people pollution levels in Queensland rarely cause any health effects, but during periods when pollution levels are higher more sensitive individuals in the population may feel some effect. Those at most risk are people who suffer from heart and lung problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and young children and the elderly.
Air pollution affects everyone, so caring for the air by identifying pollution sources and trying to minimise harmful outputs to the atmosphere is the responsibility of everyone: government, industry and individuals.
Reducing air pollution requires action taken at international, national and local levels, and even individuals can make a difference.
At the national level, there is the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (Air NEPM); at state level are the Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Protection Policy (Air), which work together and support local clean air strategies.
Individuals can make a difference through simple strategies, such as reducing power usage by turning off lights, air conditioning and other power consuming appliances when they are not needed. When travelling, strategies such as car pooling, avoiding using motor vehicles for short journeys, driving carefully and maintaining vehicles in good condition can be combined with greater use of public transport, and by walking or cycling.
Last updated 14 February 2011