Sydneysiders are breathing a little bit easier today knowing that a new air quality monitoring station is up and running, sharing real-time data on air pollution levels.
The station, a rather nondescript 'shed' filled with extraordinary cutting-edge technology, is the latest to join NSW's Air Quality Monitoring network.
This marks a major step in enhancing the city's environmental health and empowers residents to make informed decisions about the air they breathe.
Situated in Ultimo, at the University of Technology Sydney, the station tracks particle pollution from cars, trucks, smoke and factories (known as PM2.5 and PM10) as well as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone.
The pollution data is processed to produce an overall air quality 'rating', ranging from 'Extremely Poor' to 'Good'.
When air quality is 'Poor', an alert and health advice is issued to all those who have subscribed to the NSW Government's free air quality update service.
As pollution levels fluctuate throughout the day, this data allows those that live and work in the CBD to stay one step ahead and protect their health.
The NSW Government has routinely monitored air pollution in Sydney since 1951.
From just a handful of stations measuring dust and smoke, the NSW Air Quality Monitoring Network is now the largest in Australia, measuring and reporting air pollution in real time.
The Ultimo station is the third in the City of Sydney, primarily measuring the pollution from vehicles travelling through Broadway.
Quotes attributable to Mark Taylor, Executive Director of Science and Insights, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water:
"Air pollution isn't something you can see, but its impacts are real.
"The expansion of the monitoring network in Sydney is a genuine and strong step towards the goal of creating a cleaner, healthier city.
"The real-time data from these stations is not just about tracking pollution - it's about giving every Sydneysider the power to make healthier choices.
"I encourage all residents around the state to subscribe to our free Sydney air quality forecast and alerts at airquality.nsw.gov.au."
