Air quality update: 11:31am

As you can see the smoky conditions appear to have eased up a little this morning but patches of smoke haze are expected throughout the day across Canberra, so we do advise that all Canberrans should continue to avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity outside when there is smoke around.

People who are sensitive to smoke, especially those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should take extra care, and avoid all physical activity outside at these times.

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their doctor. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical attention and in the event of a medical emergency call triple-zero (000).

People can take the following precautions to help minimise the effects of smoke and air pollution: 

  • Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed;
  • Stay in air-conditioned premises and switch the air-conditioner to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ to reduce the amount of smoke entering the building;
  • Visit a local air-conditioned building such as a library, community centre or shopping centre; and
  • Check on elderly neighbours or other people who you think might need extra help.
  • ACT Health will continue to monitor the air quality in the ACT and will advise the public of additional public health advice when needed and as information becomes available. 

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their doctor. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical attention and in the event of a medical emergency call triple-zero (000).

Please refer to ACT Health’s fact sheet on the health impacts of outdoor smoke, fact sheet.

To monitor the levels of smoke in the air (PM2.5), and for the most up-to-date health advice relating to smoky conditions, you can also head to the Health advice for smoky air page.

At this time, the smoky conditions are expected until Thursday. We will continue monitoring levels and will provide additional health advice as needed.

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

 

Page last updated on: 16 Dec 2019