The first RAC Air Health Monitor report has found traffic-related emissions remain Perth’s biggest air quality challenge, with concerning levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) being regularly recorded across our city.
Over the 2023 calendar year, the RAC Air Health Monitor, the largest air quality monitoring network in the country, analysed data collected by more than 150 sensors located throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact Terry Durant said the findings highlight when our air quality is at its best, and worst.
“Perth has plenty of beautiful, clear days, but this report shows that our air quality can sometimes reach levels that are unhealthy for some sensitive groups, including those with asthma, and elderly people,” Ms Durant said.
The sensors pick up three types of air pollutants – NO2, PM2.5 and PM10. Vehicle emissions are a major source of NO2 in built-up areas.
Although the report shows 92 per cent of sensor sites recorded NO2 levels below the national standard of 15 parts per billion (ppb), when assessed against World Health Organisation guidelines, almost 100 per cent of sensors exceeded the maximum recommended levels at some point.
“The report found weekends had better air quality overall than weekdays, which shows the impact of peak-hours and increased volumes of traffic,” Ms Durant said.
“The RAC Air Health Monitor is helping provide more quality data about where, when, and to what extent, emissions occur in our community.”
“This is crucial in enabling and encouraging governments to prioritise transport and planning policies and investments that reduce vehicle emissions.”
RAC Air Health Monitor 2023 Full Report (PDF 10.8MB)
RAC Air Health Monitor 2023 Concise Report (PDF 1.88MB)
ENDS
Media contact: Laura Gardiner, 9436 4889 or media@rac.com.au
BACKGROUND
More about the RAC Air Health Monitor
The RAC Air Health Monitor was launched in 2022 and consists of high-tech Clarity sensors placed in strategic locations around the Perth metropolitan area, from Dawesville to Yanchep and east to Wooroloo.
The sensor data is then fed into an interactive Ramboll Shair online platform, which shows the quality of Perth’s air, in near-real time.
Find the RAC Air Health Monitor here: Air Health Monitor
What pollutants are measured by the RAC Air Health Monitor?
The RAC Air Health Monitor uses an interactive model which blends air quality data from the sensor network with other sources, including satellites and traffic monitoring services.
The RAC Air Health Monitor measures Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
PM is a measurement of microscopic particles. PM10 refers to particulate matter 10 micrometres or less in diameter, while PM2.5 is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. PM can be a mixture of many sources, including vehicle emissions, building and industry emissions, 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 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in built-up areas. NO2 impacts the respiratory system and can cause bronchitis in children with asthma, reduce lung function, cancer and other health and environmental implications.
