Air pollutants
What is air pollution?
The air people breathe is a mixture of gases and small solid and liquid particles.
Air pollution is a chemical, physical (e.g. particles), or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Some substances come from natural sources while others are caused by human activities, such as motor vehicle use, domestic activities, industry and business.
Air pollution occurs when the air contains substances in quantities that could harm the comfort or health of humans and animals, or could damage plants or materials. These substances are known as air pollutants.
On a global scale stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution (primarily chlorofluorocarbons) has long been recognised as a threat to human health as well as to the earth's ecosystems. Worldwide, air pollution is responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of respiratory disease. The development and implementation of air quality standards such as the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (also referred to as the Air NEPM) have been instrumental in driving a reduction in the presence of some pollutants. While major stationary sources such as power stations and smelters are often identified with air pollution, the greatest sources of emissions are often mobile, principally motor vehicles. Gases such as carbon dioxide which have been shown to contribute to global warming have recently also been identified as pollutants.
Click on the links below to find out more about the current air quality and some of the common air pollutants and meteorological parameters monitored by the Air Quality Sciences branch of the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Current air quality
Criteria pollutants
- Ozone (photochemical smog)
- Nitrogen oxides
- Sulfur dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Airborne lead
- Airborne particles
Other pollutants
Other parameters
Last updated 14 February 2011