Raised dust levels across the ACT

Increased dust levels and the visible haze across Canberra is expected to remain elevated until Saturday morning.

Increased dust levels and the visible haze across Canberra is expected to remain elevated until Saturday morning.

The haze is being driven towards the ACT by strong winds coming from the west and is impacting on air quality levels across the ACT.

With current levels, most people will not experience any health impact. However, people who are more sensitive to dust in the air, particularly those with asthma and other heart or lung conditions, should take precautions. This includes staying indoors with windows and doors closed, avoiding all vigorous outdoor exercise, and taking medication as prescribed by their doctor.

People can monitor air quality levels across the ACT by downloading the AirRater app (https://airrater.org). The Health Directorate will also continue to monitor levels, and if there is a significant decline in air quality, we will issue further health advice.

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. 

For further information on minimising the health impacts of dust, refer to our factsheet at http://bit.ly/ACTdust-factsheet.

 

 

Page last updated on: 25 Nov 2019