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Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Urgent health warning over toxic air
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. 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 NSW RFS Credit: Supplied 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. A massive dust storm has blanketed Greater Sydney, pushing air pollution levels to 'extremely poor' and prompting urgent health warnings for residents to stay indoors. NSW RFS Credit: Supplied 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.
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Prolific street artist Scott Marsh unveils controversial new Peter Dutton mural in Darlinghurst, Sydney
A new and highly controversial piece of street art depicting Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has appeared in Sydney this week, just days before Australians head to the polls. The mural, painted by well-known street artist Scott Marsh, portrays Dutton as a sex toy named 'The Dutt Plug'. 'Bend over backwards … just like your campaign promises. Tired of scandals that don't come with personal satisfaction?' the post reads. 'Worn out from all the flip-flopping without any real stimulation? 'Then meet your new favourite backdoor deal: The Dutt Plug. 'The Dutt Plug guarantees that the only thing getting screwed … is you.' The mural has attracted attention online, with various reactions from the public. Some viewers have praised the artwork for its boldness, while others have criticised it as inappropriate. Activist Grace Tame commented under the post: 'Genius.' Another commenter called for Marsh to be 'balanced' and do a similar mural of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This is not the first time Marsh has created politically charged street art. He is known for his provocative murals that provide brutal social and political commentary, wrapped up with a bit of humour. In 2019, he took aim at then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his handling of the bushfire crisis that devastated Australia. The mural, which appeared on Christmas Eve on Chippen Lane in Chippendale, depicted Mr Morrison wearing a Hawaiian shirt, lei and a Santa hat while holding a fancy cocktail. Behind the Prime Minister large flames burn, and a speech bubble depicts the words 'Merry crisis'. The mural made national headlines and was painted over by an unknown person four days after it appeared. Marsh painted the mural after Mr Morrison faced intense scrutiny over his decision to take a planned family holiday as dozens of fires burned across the country. Mr Morrison's staff deflected questions from the press for days about his whereabouts, and during his absence two firefighters were killed as they fought fires. Marsh announced on social media that funds raised from sales of merchandise associated with the mural had reached over $60,000, all of which he would donate to the NSW RFS.
