Haze is the presence of very small airborne particles in concentrations large enough to impede vision. Haze is Perth's major winter air quality concern. Sources of haze include smoke, vehicle emissions, secondary production, dust, sea-salts, and organic acids. Health studies have shown that increased levels of particles and smoke are associated with increased reports of illness, hospitalisation and mortality.
Smoke can originate from domestic sources; that is from household uses, within the home, or by the actions of members who live in the household. Domestic sources include smoke from wood heaters, fireplaces and backyard burning. Domestic wood heaters are the largest single source of smoke and particles contributing to winter haze formation.
