Canberra’s air quality good but room for improvement

Released 04/07/2018

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released the ACT Air Quality Report 2017 which shows Canberra’s air quality is good but as in previous years is impacted by smoke from wood heaters and hazard reduction burns.

The ACT is required to submit an air quality report each year as part of its obligations to the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPM).

Narelle Sargent, the EPA, said that in 2017 Canberra did not exceed the NEPM standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

“However, the fine particulate matter (smoke pollution) was exceeded on 13 days in 2017,” Mrs Sargent said.

Given the major impact on Canberra’s air quality is wood heater smoke, Mrs Sargent reminded residents with wood heaters to use them correctly.

“Using wood heaters correctly will reduce smoke pollution, improve our air quality, save you money and keep your home warm,” Mrs Sargent said.

Colder temperatures mean more people tend to leave their wood heaters burning overnight.

“A wood heater set on low in an attempt to burn all night causes excessive smoke pollution.  On a still night the problem is made worse because the smoke hangs in the air without a breeze to blow it away.

“You can prevent your fire smouldering overnight by keeping the air control open enough to maintain a flame.  Other tips include:

• buying wood from a reputable firewood merchant
• using dry, well-seasoned, untreated wood
• starting your fire with the air control fully open and using plenty of kindling to make a hot fire quickly
• using small logs to maintain a vigorous fire
• not overfilling the wood heater.”

For more tips visit www.act.gov.au/woodheaters or for rebates on cleaner heating visit www.actsmart.act.gov.au

“We all have a part to play in minimising pollution and keeping our environment clean and healthy,” Mrs Sargent concluded.

View the ACT Air Quality Report 2017.

- Statement ends -

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