Australia one of the healthiest countries for air quality
New study reveals Australia is home to some of the least polluted cities in the world.
A recent study conducted by IQAir found that Australia was one of only 13 countries and territories with "healthy" air quality, as global air pollution surged to new heights. Five other countries made the list – Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand – as well as seven territories in the Pacific and Caribbean.
The study
IQAir monitors and reports on air quality worldwide, using targets set out in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality guidelines. Their sobering 2022 World Air Quality Report found that 90% of countries, regions and territories did not meet the minimum standard for healthy air quality.
The study looked at data from 131 countries, regions, and territories, provided by over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations and sensors operated by government, research institutions, non-profit organisations, universities and educational facilities, private companies, and citizen scientists.
They specifically focussed on fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which is the smallest and most dangerous type of particle pollution. When inhaled, PM2.5 can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 comes from burning fossil fuels, bushfires, dust storms, and industry, and has been linked to a range health conditions, including asthma, heart disease and respiratory issues.
In 2021 WHO lowered the acceptable level of PM2.5 in their air quality guidelines from 10 to 5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) or less.
How did we do?
Australia continues to rank highly in terms of overall air quality, with most cities meeting the WHO guidelines.
However, it’s not all beer and skittles. The report revealed multiple monitoring stations in most of our capital cities exceeded healthy limits. Regional areas fared better, except around big industry and mining centres.
For example, the lowest air quality in Australia at 12.3 μg/m3 was recorded in Ludmilla, close to Darwin airport.
Canberra performed best of the capital cities, recording only 2.8 of PM2.5.
Source: IQAir website https://www.iqair.com/us/world-air-quality-report; 9news https://www.9news.com.au/world/air-quality-australia-one-of-only-13-countries-and-territories-with-healthy-air-quality/2aadaf61-c319-4248-8b06-6b0fecd5b5d8.
