How good is our air?
Pollutant levels in South-east Queensland and, specifically, Brisbane are similar to cities of comparable size, and generally much lower than Sydney and Melbourne.In SEQ, levels of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter have changed little over the last 10 years, and are generally within accepted national air quality guidelines. Details are provided in annual air monitoring reports.
Higher levels of particles have been recorded in the suburbs like Woolloongabba and Darra, because monitoring samplers are located close to major roads or industrial sources.
Lead pollution
In the past, lead pollution has been a major concern in many cities. However,
with the introduction of unleaded petrol, measured lead levels have steadily
decreased. As leaded petrol vehicles are replaced by unleaded petrol vehicles,
lead in the air will reduce further. Improvements to oil refineries have enabled
the lead content in leaded petrol to be reduced — a major role in decreasing
lead pollution levels.
Carbon monoxide
Is produced when fuels containing carbon are not completely burnt. The biggest
source of carbon monoxide in Brisbane is exhaust fumes from motor vehicles.As
with lead, carbon monoxide in the air has decreased in recent years. Controls
on motor vehicle emissions (such as catalytic converters) have helped to reduce
carbon monoxide pollution.
Last updated: 28 November 2003
