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RNZ News
a day ago
- General
- RNZ News
New Zealand's air quality improving, but winter smoke still an issue
Smoke from wood burners and coal fires builds up in calm, cold conditions. Photo: Dave Allen / NIWA CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Air quality is improving across many parts of the country, but the use of fires as heating creates a spike in pollutants during winter. Air pollution has detrimental health impacts, with older adults, children, and other vulnerable groups most at risk. Dr Chris Daughney, chief science advisor for the collective of regional and unitary councils, Te Uru Kahika, said there was generally a spike in pollutants during winter, as smoke from wood burners and coal fires built up in calm, cold conditions, and affected the health of whole communities. However, the LAWA data showed improvements overall, with air quality trends improving for 30 of the 44 long-term PM10 monitoring sites over the past 10, and only 4 sites seeing a decline. But when it came to guidelines for smaller particles, most places exceeded international guidelines. Particulate matter is tiny airborne particles - naturally occurring like dust, pollen or sea salt, or human-made through the burning of fuels - and their health impact depends on particle size. PM10 refers to particles less than 10 micrometres in size which can enter human airways. PM2.5 refers to finer particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in size, which can penetrate deep into human lungs, even the bloodstream. LAWA chairperson Dr Tim Davie explained it was not yet mandatory to monitor PM2.5 under the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES-AQ), and the science on its effects was relatively recent. But 13 regions were already actively monitoring it anyway, and the number of monitored sites had increased in recent years. Davie said the overall improvement in air quality was thanks to individuals making good decisions about how they heated their homes or travelled around their cities. "It's not councils investing, it's people investing - buying low emissions wood burners and changing their heating to electric and buying electric cars. "Councils set policies around that that encourages it, but it's actual people out there who are making those investments and making the changes, and that's really great to see." Thirty of 44 monitored towns and cities show improving air quality over the past ten years - between 2015 and 2024. Ten sites had an indeterminate trend, which meant there was not enough statistical certainty to determine if air quality had been improving or degrading. Howeever, in 2024, only three monitoring sites met both the daily and annual World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 - Whareroa Marae in Mount Maunganui, Whangārei, and central Wellington. The highest PM2.5 annual average concentrations were seen in Tokoroa, Pūtāruru, Kaiapoi, and Timaru, where winter woodsmoke from home heating was trapped by local topography and weather conditions. LAWA air quality science lead Teresa Aberkane explained air quality responded to human behaviour. "Many places like Timaru, Tokoroa, and Kaiapoi have taken active steps to reduce winter emissions, and we're seeing those actions reflected in the data." * It's important to note not everywhere is monitored, and these levels include industrial and rural activities as well as natural sources (such as salt spray) in addition to particles caused by home heating. The 10 most polluted, in order (Most polluted) Washdyke, Canterbury Mount Maunganui (Totara St Rail Crossing), Bay of Plenty Awatoto, Hawke's Bay Gore (Main Street), Southland Penrose, Auckland Gisborne central Tokoroa, Waikato Putaruru, Waikato Mount Maunganui (Ranch Rd), Bay of Plenty Timaru (Anzac Square), Canterbury The 10 least polluted Rotorua (Edmund), Bay of Plenty Lower Hutt (Birch Lane), Wellington Wainuiomata (Bowling Club), Wellington Thames, Waikato Patumahoe, Auckland Morrinsville, Waikato Tauranga (Otumoetai), Bay of Plenty Upper Hutt (Savage Park), Wellington Taumarunui, King Country (Least polluted) Reefton (school), West Coast
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt orders commercial, office buildings to put anti-smog guns on rooftops
The Delhi government has mandated the installation of rooftop anti-smog guns in all high-rise commercial, hotel, and institutional buildings across the city, in a unique directive aimed at tackling urban air pollution. The order, issued by the environment department on May 29, applies to commercial complexes, malls, and hotels with a built-up area greater than 3,000 square metres, and to office and institutional buildings that are at least ground plus five floors houses, apartment complexes, and group housing societies have been exempted. 'The directive applies to all commercial complexes, malls, and hotels with a built-up area greater than 3,000 square metres, as well as all institutional and office buildings that are ground plus five floors (G+5) or higher,' an official said. These buildings must install and operate anti-smog guns within six months and run them year-round, excluding the monsoon period from June 15 to October 1, according to the order issued on directions of environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The order is part of a push to integrate pollution control into everyday urban infrastructure. 'For the first time, Delhi has acted to curb a long-ignored pollution source. This is accountability in action. Delhi is the first city to mandate anti-smog guns throughout the year in all high-rise commercial buildings such as malls, hotels, and institutional buildings,' Sirsa said. The so-called anti-smog guns are effectively large fan-powered installations that throw air enriched with tiny water droplets over long distances in an attempt at capturing pollutants and bringing them aground. According to the directive, the number of anti-smog guns to be installed will depend on the building's size. Three anti-smog guns are to be installed on buildings with built-up areas below 10,000 square metres and additional one gun with every 5,000 square metre added. The guns must be permanently affixed to the parapet wall using fixed brackets rather than mobile trailers. 'The equipment must be mounted to the building's parapet wall using fixed brackets and not mobile trailers. Each smog gun should be capable of a horizontal mist throw of 75 to 100 metres and produce droplets between 5 to 20 microns in size to effectively target airborne particulate matter such as PM2.5 and PM10. Operation must not exceed 1,200 litres per hour or 10,000 litres over an eight-hour day,' an official aware of the matter explained. Further, only treated water should be used, with the maximum usage capped at 1,000–1,200 litres per hour, the official added. Officials said the directive comes after alarming deterioration in air quality observed during from October to January every year. 'This government will no longer tolerate half-measures. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of chief minister Rekha Gupta, we are ensuring that pollution control becomes embedded in urban infrastructure—not just in paper policies,' the environment minister added. The smog guns are to be operated intermittently during peak pollution windows — 6.30am to 9.30am, 5.30pm to 8.30pm, and 1.30am to 4.30am—in short bursts to maximise effectiveness and conserve electricity and water. Buildings between 7 and 10 storeys are considered optimal for generating effective ground-level mist dispersion. Implementation and enforcement responsibilities have been assigned to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), and other construction-approving or land-owning agencies. These agencies have been asked to ensure full compliance and submit quarterly reports to the Department of Environment detailing actions taken, monitoring outcomes, and penalties imposed where necessary. Meanwhile, experts said the move will only affect the dust locally and is not a long-term solution. Sunil Dahiya, analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said the order shows the government is serious in tackling pollution in the city. 'This is a visible move. One that can help bring down pollution locally. However, it is not a long term solution as it will only manage dust locally and in a small space. For long term reduction in pollution, we need to tackle the actual sources themselves,' Dahiya said.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Some towns' air quality still poor
While some areas of Otago still face winter air quality exceedances, more than 70% of days across monitored sites during 2024 were classified as "Good" under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The 2024 Annual Air Quality Report, recently released by the Otago Regional Council, revealed some towns continued to have challenges in managing their air quality. ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said Otago recorded 28 exceedances of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ) for particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. The annual report shows PM10 monitoring was conducted in the Alexandra, Arrowtown, Central Dunedin and Mosgiel airsheds in 2024. Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel recorded exceedances of the (NESAQ) during the winter months. "Alexandra and Arrowtown recorded 11 and 16 exceedances, respectively, and Mosgiel recorded one." PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres) was also monitored in Arrowtown, Central Dunedin, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, Mosgiel and Wānaka in 2024. The sites with the highest annual averages were Clyde and Mosgiel, and the site with the highest 24-hour average was Milton. "Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton and Mosgiel. "In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. "Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions," she said. "In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating, and is seen in the data for most towns." A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024, and this data would be reported in the next annual report. Ms Harrison said black carbon was also a component of particulate matter, and monitoring of it would help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. "Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward," Ms Harrison said. "These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing." Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network would continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. "These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration," she said.
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Sydney dust storm: some residents advised to stay inside due to ‘extremely poor' air quality
Parts of Sydney faced 'extremely poor' air quality warnings on Tuesday morning as a dust storm swept in from the east. Sydney's north-west and central west including Parramatta had the heaviest air pollution, with very poor air quality also observed across Sydney stretching as far south as Goulburn and as far north as Muswellbrook, according to official pollution monitoring stations. Those sensitive to air pollution were advised to stay indoors and close windows and doors until air quality improved, or to travel to places with air conditioning if preferred to their homes, the state government said, as a 'dust storm sweeping across NSW is impacting air quality across the state'. The government warned there were high levels of PM10 particles, a common feature of bushfire smoke or dust storms. PM10 particles have a diameter of 10 micrometres or less and are small enough to pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects. Even those without particular sensitivities were advised to avoid outdoor physical activity if they develop symptoms such as coughing or a shortness of breath, and when indoors, to close windows and doors. The dust storm has travelled from South Australia, where it hit the town of Orroroo on Monday, blocking out the sky and covering the area in an orange haze. It also blanketed areas of regional Victoria on Monday afternoon, including Mildura in the state's north-west. The dust storms and haze affecting Australia's south-east were forecast to clear in the afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Dean Narramore, a bureau meteorologist, said south-westerly winds would clear out the dust haze affecting Sydney and surrounds in the next few hours. 'It's just lingering on the east coast in the next couple of hours, and then it's going to be all gone by this afternoon,' he said. Dust also swept through Melbourne, Canberra and surrounding regions early Tuesday morning after strong winds kicked up a haze out of drought-affected areas in South Australia and Victoria's west, Narramore said. He said those conditions have since eased but heavy and possibly damaging winds are still set to impact parts of south-west NSW. The BoM said dry conditions and strong winds caused the large dust clouds to form, leading to poor visibility and bad driving conditions that prompted some road closures.
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.
