Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The air in NSW is generally quite good. It’s actually much better than it used to be about 15-20 years ago. That’s mainly because of actions taken to make cars and fuels much cleaner and place tighter controls on industry.

Air quality is still an issue because there are still several days each year where the level of air pollution in Sydney and elsewhere in the state goes beyond national standards. The number of days when this happens needs to be reduced.

The air in NSW is generally quite good. It’s actually much better than it used to be about 15-20 years ago. That’s mainly because of actions taken to make cars and fuels much cleaner and place tighter controls on industry.

Air quality is still an issue because there are still several days each year where the level of air pollution in Sydney and elsewhere in the state goes beyond national standards. The number of days when this happens needs to be reduced.

Air pollution comes from a range of sources including nature, i.e. bush fires and dust storms, and human activity.

Pollutants that most often reach high levels in our air are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and NOx (oxides of nitrogen) which together contribute to ground-level ozone (smog) in summer. Levels of particle pollution, which can be seen as a brown haze in winter, can also exceed national standards.

The main sources of these pollutants are industry and motor vehicles through the burning of fossil fuels. VOCs are also released into the air when we use solvents at home or at work. Bush fires and dust storms create a great deal of particle pollution in summer while the use of wood heaters can lead to high levels in winter.

Air pollution comes from a range of sources including nature, i.e. bush fires and dust storms, and human activity.

Pollutants that most often reach high levels in our air are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and NOx (oxides of nitrogen) which together contribute to ground-level ozone (smog) in summer. Levels of particle pollution, which can be seen as a brown haze in winter, can also exceed national standards.

The main sources of these pollutants are industry and motor vehicles through the burning of fossil fuels. VOCs are also released into the air when we use solvents at home or at work. Bush fires and dust storms create a great deal of particle pollution in summer while the use of wood heaters can lead to high levels in winter.

If anything, air pollution will be more of an issue in the future. There are two main reasons for this.

1. Population growth and our increasing dependence on cars

With more people driving more cars more often, air pollution from transport may undo gains we have already made if we don't continue to take action.

2. Climate change

Rising temperatures can worsen air pollution, because:

• Drier conditions can increase the risk of bush fires and dust storms, which create particle pollution.
• Warmer weather provides ideal conditions for smog (ground-level ozone) to form.

If anything, air pollution will be more of an issue in the future. There are two main reasons for this.

1. Population growth and our increasing dependence on cars

With more people driving more cars more often, air pollution from transport may undo gains we have already made if we don't continue to take action.

2. Climate change

Rising temperatures can worsen air pollution, because:

• Drier conditions can increase the risk of bush fires and dust storms, which create particle pollution.
• Warmer weather provides ideal conditions for smog (ground-level ozone) to form.

The ozone layer is in the stratosphere, about 10–50 km above the earth’s surface. Here, it helps shield our planet from damaging radiation from the sun.

Ground-level ozone is created when two types of air pollutants - VOCs and NOx - react during warm, sunny conditions. Ground-level ozone, along with other chemicals, is also known as smog and can be seen as a white haze over the city.

The ozone layer is in the stratosphere, about 10–50 km above the earth’s surface. Here, it helps shield our planet from damaging radiation from the sun.

Ground-level ozone is created when two types of air pollutants - VOCs and NOx - react during warm, sunny conditions. Ground-level ozone, along with other chemicals, is also known as smog and can be seen as a white haze over the city.

It’s going to take a team effort to make sure we all enjoy good air quality now and in the future. Making changes day-to-day to reduce your emissions may seem small, the important thing to know is you’re not acting alone.

Government actions so far have made a big difference. These include improved standards for cars and fuels, licensing systems for industry, emission reducing programs for businesses and educational programs for the public.

Collectively, our individual actions can make a big difference.

It’s going to take a team effort to make sure we all enjoy good air quality now and in the future. Making changes day-to-day to reduce your emissions may seem small, the important thing to know is you’re not acting alone.

Government actions so far have made a big difference. These include improved standards for cars and fuels, licensing systems for industry, emission reducing programs for businesses and educational programs for the public.

Collectively, our individual actions can make a big difference.

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of air pollution you create is to change the way you travel.
Transport is responsible for a large proportion of the air pollutants that cause smog (ground-level ozone pollution).

Try to use your car less. When you do drive, try enviro-driving and car-pooling. Keep your car well-maintained and tyres at optimum pressure. Use public transport where you can. Walk or ride a bike. It’s better for our air and for the community.

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of air pollution you create is to change the way you travel.
Transport is responsible for a large proportion of the air pollutants that cause smog (ground-level ozone pollution).

Try to use your car less. When you do drive, try enviro-driving and car-pooling. Keep your car well-maintained and tyres at optimum pressure. Use public transport where you can. Walk or ride a bike. It’s better for our air and for the community.