In early 2004, the Minister for the Environment announced that a study would be undertaken into air toxics levels in the Perth metropolitan region. 'Air toxics' are a range of gaseous, aerosol or particle pollutants present in the air in low concentrations. Despite their low concentrations, air toxics can be hazardous to human, plant or animal life. The term 'background' refers to the collective level of air toxics present in the air generally, rather than the levels from specific sources. Hence, this study is examining the levels of gaseous, aerosol or particle pollutants present in the air we breathe on a daily basis.
In response to the Minister's announcement, the Department of Environment began developing the air toxics study. Comment on the draft study was sought from key stakeholders. Community representatives suggested that the study establish an extra seven sampling sites and collect data for additional pollutants. The community's ideas were incorporated into the Department's study and sampling commenced in January 2005. It is expected the study will continue until late 2006.
Study aims
The aims of the study are to:
- Gather data on the levels of air toxics at a number of locations in Perth and major regional centres;
- Compare the measured levels of air toxics against guidelines proposed in the National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure (NEPM);
- Compare the measured levels of air toxics against guidance levels set by other authorities such as the World Health Organisation and the US Environmental Protection Authority;
- Collect air toxics level data to use in future health risk assessments and epidemiological studies;
- Engage and encourage participation from all stakeholders including the community, special interest groups, other State and Federal agencies and industry.
Results of study
For the purposes of this study, the Department proposed measuring the following types of air toxics;
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs);
- Heavy metals;
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Active samplers
- Passive samplers
- Carbonyl compounds;
- Nitrogen dioxide;
- Ammonia; and
- Particles.
Select or "click-on" the relevant sample and analysis type below to view the results.
Additional monitoring of other pollutants that are not considered air toxics, but can cause acute health effects will be conducted at six locations in the Kwinana/Rockingham area. These pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Further information about this expanded study will be included on this website as it becomes available.
Further Information
Further information is available from the background page which details information on monitoring sites and pollutants.
Other information may be obtained by emailing the Air Quality Management Branch of the Department of Environment.
