Particulate matter (PM) is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles found in the air that can be harmful to your health. PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller) can pass through the nose and throat and enter the lungs. PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller) can reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream, making them more harmful.
PM2.5 particles are so small (about 3% the width of a human hair) you need a strong microscope to see them.
Particulate matter can be produced by human activities as well as from natural sources, including:
Short-term exposure (hours or days) can make existing health problems worse. Long-term exposure (months or years) can cause new diseases to appear or make existing diseases worsen more quickly over time
People with a heart or lung condition, including asthma; people over the age of 65; infants and young children; pregnant women; and people with diabetes.
The South Australian Environment Protection Agency (SA EPA) works with industry and the community to monitor and regulate air quality. SA Health also plays a part by helping to understand the impacts of poor air quality. Individuals and households also play an important role—for example, keeping wood heater emissions to a minimum and avoiding backyard burning.
There are national standards for common air pollutants to minimise the impact on human health and wellbeing known as the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) –Ambient Air Quality.
For instance, daily concentrations of PM10 at the industry sites, such as mining facilities, should not exceed 50µg/m³
Fine particles can reach deep into your lungs and bloodstream, causing multiple health problems.
Yes. For example, the Menzies Institute for Medical Research calculated that each year, woodsmoke in Tasmania causes an estimated 51 deaths, 64 hospital admissions, and 11 asthma emergency department visits, costing $293 million per year in health care.
You don't have to stop using a wood heater altogether, but it is important to know how wood smoke impacts you and the others, and what you can do to reduce its impact. Use it only when you really need to, don't burn overnight, and use dry, clean wood.
Split-system reverse cycle air conditioners are the best option: electricity is cheaper than wood, more sustainable, and easy to use
The single most important thing is NEVER turn down the air intake immediately after loading fuel. Keep it fully open for at least 20 minutes before you reduce the air. Immediate reduction in the air intake increases your pollution output by around 100 times for hours on end! Make sure there is no visible plumes of smoke coming out of your chimney. You will need a good warm coat and a torch for this purpose. Be responsive to any concerns expressed by neighbours. Do not leave the wood burning overnight.
Exposure to air pollution over time can lead to health concerns such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It's important to minimise your exposure to dust where you can.
It can cause coughing, runny nose, and eye irritation and make existing heart or lung conditions worse.
You can report dust pollution incidents to the EPA via a 24/7 hotline on (08) 8204 2004 or use YourEPA.