Perth air quality: Is there a problem and what's causing it?
Perth air quality: Is there a problem and what’s causing it?
The RAC Air Health Monitor is the biggest air sensor network in Australia. Powered by hundreds of sensors, showing hour-by-hour changes to the air quality across the metropolitan area. Helping move towards a future of cleaner transport.
What are we measuring, and how?
What we monitor
The RAC Air Health Monitor measures particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
The particles that make up PM can be emitted from a range of sources, including vehicles, building and industry, and dust. PM can be inhaled into the lungs and sometimes enter the bloodstream, impacting cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Transport is a major source of NO2 in built-up areas. NO2 can cause serious health conditions, including irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system. Some studies suggest there may be links between NO2 exposure and heart problems, diabetes, adverse birth outcomes, and cancer.
How we monitor
We use an interactive model which blends air quality data from our sensor network with other sources, including near real time traffic data from Main Roads WA, and motor vehicle emissions modelling from Copert Australia.
The model also includes emissions data from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) database.
RAC Air Health Monitor index classification:
| Category | PM2.5 (ug/m3) | PM10 (ug/m3) | NO2 (ppb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (better than WHO threshold) | 0-4 | 0-14 | 0-9 |
| Moderate (not ideal, but better than WHO 24-hr average threshold) | 5-14 | 15-44 | 10-24 |
| Unhealthy for sensitive groups (worse than WHO threshold) | 15-24 | 45-49 | 25-79 |
| Unhealthy | 25-49 | 50-99 | 80-119 |
| Very unhealthy | 50-99 | 100-199 | 120-179 |
| Hazardous | 100-299 | 200-599 | 180-239 |
| Extreme | 300+ | 600+ | 240+ |
The ratings for particles (PM10 and PM2.5) and for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are based on hourly real time data. Concentrations are measured as ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) or ppb (parts per billion).
Find out more about how our air is rated.
What to do when the air quality is poor?
The Western Australia Department of Health endorses the following health directions on the DWER page during periods where the PM2.5 concentrations are elevated. Please follow directions from emergency services and advice from your doctor at all times.
Actions for cleaner and healthier air
Learn what we’re doing for cleaner and healthier air and what actions you can take.
Biggest network in Australia
200 sensors to be deployed
Pollutants measured
PM2.5, PM10 and NO2
RAC Air Health Monitor coverage
Over 9,730km2 coveredFrequently asked questions
What is air pollution?
Air pollution occurs when the air contains substances that impact and cause harm to humans, animals and the environment. Air pollution can contain a mixture of tiny particles, liquids or gases. Extracting and burning fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) is the major source of greenhouse gases and air pollution1. Air pollution is caused by:
- on-road vehicles such as cars, buses and trucks
- off-road vehicles and equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers and marine vessels
- domestic activities such as burning wood fires, including using wood heaters, fuel-powered garden equipment, and portable fuel containers
- natural sources such as bushfires, dust storms, sea salt and pollen
- commercial businesses such as spray painters, printers, quarries, service stations
- industrial activities such as coal mining, oil refining and power generation
In major cities across Australia, one of the main sources of air pollution is from motor vehicle emissions, caused by diesel and petroleum combustion2.
1 NSW Environmental protection agency. About air pollution. Accessed at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/air/air-nsw-overview/about-air-pollution
2 Better health (Vic), Air pollution. Accessed at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/air-pollution
Why is this a priority for RAC?
Our Vision 2030 is for a safer, sustainable and connected future for Western Australians. To create a more sustainable future, we must eliminate harmful vehicle emissions, so current and future generations can enjoy healthier and cleaner air.
RAC have set ambitious targets for 2030, with social impact metrics which measure and track progress toward these:
- Healthier air - NOx emissions per km travelled by car – 15% reduction in 2030 from a 2016/17 base (but capped at 10% increase in 2025 from the base)
- Cleaner air - CO2 emissions per km travelled by car – 20% reduction in 2030 from a 2016/17 base (3% reduction in 2025)
How is RAC going to measure air quality?
The RAC Air Health Monitor is powered by a network of sensors, along with input from real-time traffic emission, meteorology and industrial activity which provides air quality data to the Perth community about the air they breathe and the impact of vehicle emissions on their everyday lives.
We use an interactive model which blends air quality data from our sensor network with other sources, including near real time traffic data from Main Roads WA, and motor vehicle emissions modelling from Copert Australia.
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Local air pollution and health experts led by Professor Gavin Pereira from Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University as part of the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC) have provided support of the RAC Air Health Monitor through an independent review.
Watch the below video and hear from the team at RAC, Clarity and wider stakeholders who have been involved in the RAC Air Health Monitor so far.
The RAC Air Health Monitor was recognised as the winner of the 2023 Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand WA Branch Clean Air Achievement Award.
