12 November 2019

Dust haze, not smoke, impacting air quality

| Michael Weaver
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Dust storm

A dust storm is impacting on air quality in Canberra. Photo: File.

The haze across much of Canberra is not smoke but dust, blowing across the ACT from very strong winds that are sweeping across the region, according to a spokesperson from ACT Emergency Services Agency.

“Currently, there are no active grass or bush fires in the ACT,” the spokesperson said. “The ACT Health Directorate is advising the community that the increased level of dust is impacting the air quality in some parts of Canberra.

“Although the conditions are expected to continue throughout the afternoon and ease into the evening, people who may be more sensitive to dust in the air, particularly people with asthma and other lung and heart conditions, should take precautions,” the spokesperson said.

Canberrans can monitor air quality levels across the ACT by downloading the AirRater app, and if there is a significant decline in air quality, the Health Directorate will issue further health advice if needed.

Anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice from their health professional, and for further information, refer to the Health Directorate’s dust fact sheet.

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