Sydney choked by dust storm as air quality hits ‘extremely poor'
A thick cloud of dust and dangerous airborne particles has descended on Greater Sydney, prompting urgent health warnings from authorities advising residents to stay indoors and monitor for symptoms.
Landmarks usually visible from across the city, including the iconic harbour, skyline and the Blue Mountains, were completely obscured on Tuesday morning as the dust storm blanketed the region.
NSW Health issued a warning for residents, particularly those with asthma or respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use damp cloths to cover their noses and mouths if necessary.
The state government measures air quality using PM10, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, and on Tuesday morning, Sydney's readings spiked dramatically.
'PM10 are particles in air with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less,' NSW Health explains online.
'PM itself is short for 'particulate matter', another term for particles. They can include dust or sea salt, as well as smaller particles generated from combustion processes such as vegetation fires, motor vehicles and industrial sources.
'These particles can pass into the lungs.
'Short term impacts include difficulty in breathing and worsening of asthma or chronic bronchitis symptoms. They can also cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.'
Between 8am and 9am, several areas in Sydney recorded PM10 levels above 600μg/m3, with Prospect reaching a staggering 693.3μg/m3. For comparison, Delhi, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, was sitting at 107µg/m3.
Even more alarming were readings in the Illawarra region, where levels spiked to 903.2μg/m3.
The NSW Rural Fire Service said the dust is being carried into the state by strong winds linked to extreme weather and drought conditions elsewhere.
'Dust and airborne particles, caused by severe drought in other states are currently being blown across south-east Australia by intense storms,' the RFS said in a statement.
'A dust storm originating in South Australia has moved into NSW overnight, significantly impacting air quality in several regions including the Greater Sydney area.
'Those with asthma or other respiratory issues are advised to minimise their exposure to the dust particles by avoiding outdoor activity, stay inside with your windows closed and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.'
Air quality across parts of Sydney had been classified as 'extremely poor' by 8am Tuesday, however that had been downgraded to 'very poor' by 10am.
NSW Health uses five categories to measure air quality: good, fair, poor, very poor, and extremely poor.
In 'good' conditions, daily life continues as normal.
But in 'extremely poor' conditions, people are told to stay inside, move to safer locations if needed, and watch for respiratory symptoms.
If symptoms develop, residents are encouraged to contact the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or consult their doctor.
In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
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