Average concentrations above 25 µg/m3 for more than 24 hours exceed Australia’s daily air quality standards. In general, if PM2.5 levels are poor, very poor or extremely poor, and have been for some time, it is more important to take action. Poor air quality for several days has a greater health impact than a brief episode lasting a few hours.
Poor air quality can be caused by bushfires. Listen to emergency reports and be prepared to act if you are in danger from a fire.
| Air pollution (PM2.5) | AirRater Category | What does the air look like? | What does this mean for me? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 9 | Good | Air quality is excellent, it’s a clear day. | You can enjoy the outdoors. |
| 10 to 24 | Fairly good | The air quality has changed from usual background conditions. It might appear a little hazy on the horizon. | Brief, minor increases in air pollution rarely cause serious health problems. Keep an eye on conditions in case they are getting worse. If the smoke has been much worse and is now improving, this is a good time to open and air your house. If air quality remains in or above this category over a full year, it would exceed Australia’s mean annual air quality standard for PM2.5of 8 µg/m3. |
| 25 to 49 | Fairly poor | You can usually see or smell smoke when PM2.5 is over 25. | The smoky air could worsen the health of people at higher risk from smoke. If this is you, consider taking action. For more information about what you can do, see ‘What can I do when its smoky outside?’ Air quality remaining in or above this category over a full day would exceed Australia’s 24-hour air quality standard for PM2.5of 25 µg/m3. |
| 50 to 99 | Poor | Smoke will be clearly visible in the air. Distant landmarks may not be visible. | People at higher risk from smoke should take action to manage any health conditions and reduce the amount of smoke they breathe. For more information about what you can do, see ‘What can I do when its smoky outside?’ |
| 100 to 299 | Very poor | It will be smoky and unpleasant. You will smell smoke strongly and may taste it. | Everyone needs to take action to reduce the smoke they breathe. For more information about what you can do, see ‘What can I do when its smoky outside?’ |
| 300+ | Extremely poor | Smoke will likely be thick and impair your vision. | Avoid breathing the smoke as much as possible. Stay at home if it’s safe to do so, or in a shelter if you have been evacuated from a bushfire. Unless it is an emergency, it is not safe to drive in these conditions due to poor visibility. |