New 'air pollution alerts' warn of health risks

Abstract

Research has shown for some time that high levels of air pollution can exacerbate illness. More recently, evidence has emerged about how air pollution at much lower levels can also affect the health of susceptible people, such as those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or coronary artery disease. NSW Health and the Department of Environment and Conservation have started Australia’s most comprehensive air quality warning system to ensure residents of Sydney, the Illawarra and the lower Hunter can take action to stay healthy at times of low, medium and high air pollution.