Public Health Alert: Air quality in Canberra is deteriorating due to increased dust levels


Released 21/09/2019

ACT Health Directorate’s air quality monitoring stations have registered higher levels of dust particles reducing the air quality. The community is advised to take the following precautions to minimise health impacts of dust:

  • staying indoors with windows and doors closed
  • staying in air-conditioned premises and switching the air-conditioner to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ to reduce the amount of dust entering the building
  • leaving the area for a cleaner environment
  • visiting a local air-conditioned building such as a library, community centre or shopping centre
  • avoiding vigorous exercise, especially if you have a heart or lung condition

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their health practitioner, and anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical assistance. In the event of a medical emergency call triple zero 000.

ACT Health Directorate will continue to monitor the air quality in the ACT and will advise the public if additional public health advice is warranted.

For further information on managing your health during dust storms, refer to our ‘Dust storm – health impacts’ fact sheet.

To view air quality information refer to our air quality page.

For further information on weather conditions, visit: www.bom.gov.au

- Statement ends -

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