Why our air pollution levels are worse than Beijing

The air quality in the Huon Valley is worse than in Beijing because of bushfires burning in the area. SEE THE PICTURES

The air quality in the Huon Valley is worse than in Beijing because of bushfires burning in the area.

The level of fine particles in the valley’s air is currently almost three time higher than in the 24-hour peak in the Chinese capital — which is famed for its poor air quality.

Bushfire smoke hangs over the Huon Valley, south of Hobart, sparking an alert from the Tasmania Fire Service. Picture: DAVID KILLICK

The Tasmanian Fire Service this morning issued a smoke alert for the area.

“There are dozens of bushfires in Southwest Tasmania. These fires are creating extensive smoke. There is no direct threat to communities,” the alert said.

MORE

FIRE FEARS RISE AS SCORCHER HITS

MIENA RESIDENTS READY TO LEAVE

“There may be smoke and ash from this fire visible around Huon Valley including Geeveston, Huonville, Judbury and surrounds.

“People with medical conditions are advised to have a personal plan for avoiding smoke from the burn.”

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO AVOID THE SMOKE?

According to Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority real time air quality data, the concentration of PM10 particles in the air in Cygnet approached was 151 micrograms per cubit metre this morning and the concentration of PM2.5 particles was 96.

PM10 is particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter, PM2.5 particles are less than 10 micrometers in diameter. Exposure to both are linked to increase risks to human health,” the World Health Organisation says.

Bushfire smoke hangs over the Huon Valley, south of Hobart, sparking an alert from the Tasmania Fire Service. Picture: DAVID KILLICK

“There is a close, quantitative relationship between exposure to high concentrations of small particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) and increased mortality or morbidity, both daily and over time.”

The town of Geeveston was also suffering from elevated levels of air pollution, with readings of 123 for PM10 particles and 112 for PM2.5,

At Judbury, the readings were 100 and 87 and at Huonville 87 and 73.

By comparison, the readings in Hobart this morning were 6 and 2.

Wendy Evans, from the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania, said air quality data was displayed on the foundation’s website.

TODAY’S SMOKE WARNINGS FROM ASTHMA FOUNDATION

“(Asthmatics) should have a written asthma action plan and know what to do if they have an exacerbation,” she said.

“It may be a trigger for people, the small particles that get into people’s lungs”

Asthma experts advise people to keep their medication at hand, to stay indoors with doors and windows closed, and to minimise outdoor activity.

It also advises people to set their air conditioners to “recycle” and to minimise exposure to cigarette smoke and dust.