Smoke haze: Gold Coast home to state’s worst air quality

The Gold Coast is choking its way through the worst air quality in the state, as smoke from bushfires blankets the city.

THE Gold Coast is choking its way through the worst air quality in the state, as bushfires continue to rage across the region.

The smoke haze which has settled across the city, has sent the air quality in Southport plummeting to the lowest in Queensland.

Live air data from the Department of Environment and Science currently rates conditions at Southport, and across most of the southeast as “very poor”.

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Smoke haze on the Gold Coast view of Surfers Paradise from Seaway Beach. Picture: Mike Batterham

Southport’s reading of 491 is nearly double that of the Brisbane CBD at the same time, 252.

Air quality is rated on the website by measuring airborne particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter, which can be hazardous to human health or cause a nuisance when present in the air at elevated levels.

They are capable of penetrating the lower airways of humans and can cause possible negative health effects.

Queensland Health chief health officer Jeannette Young upgraded the health warning today, urging residents to stay indoors, preferably in airconditioning if possible.

“Overnight we saw a deterioration in the quality of the air, particularly in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich,” Dr Young said.

“Yesterday the air quality was poor across a lot of Queensland. It is now at a very poor level.

“If it was short time most people with normal lung function would be able to manage it but given we know this is going to go on for more than 24 hours, it’s important that everyone consider their risk.

Highrises are blanketed in smoke. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“You definitely shouldn’t be doing any major physical exertion outside.

“This is not the time to go for a run.

“If you don’t need to be outdoors, it is safest to be indoors.”

Dr Young also issued specific health warnings to those in bushfire-affected areas.

“I am urging Queenslanders to remain vigilant if they suffer from pre-existing health conditions that can be exacerbated due smoke and dust,” she said.

“Tank water could have become contaminated from debris and ash or dead animals.

“All foods that have been fire-damaged or affected by heat should be thrown out.”

There is little reprieve in sight, with temperatures tipped to hit 33C both tomorrow and Wednesday as dangerous bushfire conditions continue to lash the Gold Coast hinterland.