Air Pollution Events

The King Island bush fires Important Contacts Significant Air Pollution Dates View a list of the dates considered smog event days so far this year or search as far back as 1990. Smog Alerts Smog is a problem in most large cities. It is caused by emissions from industry, motor vehicles, domestic wood combustion and other sources, accumulating under certain weather conditions. EPA Victoria has developed a smog alert system to forecast smog days. EPA’s assessment depends on the amount of pollution in the air and on the prevailing weather conditions. For example windy blustery conditions will disperse pollution, whereas still days allows pollution to concentrate. When a smog day is forecast, EPA releases these messages to the media. Note that the messages are slightly different for winter or summer smog alerts. Summer Smog Alert; Weather conditions are likely to result in the production of ozone, the principal constituent of summer smog. People are encouraged to avoid unnecessary use of their cars as motor vehicle exhaust gases are the major contributor to photo-chemical smog. Industries whose licences require special action on smog alert days are instructed to comply with the conditions set out on their licence. All open burning should be avoided. Under local laws, open burning or the use of backyard incinerators is banned in most metropolitan municipalities. People with respiratory, allergic or cardiac conditions are advised to take their medication and minimise strenuous activity. Autumn/Winter Smog Alert; Weather conditions should favour the build up of airborne particles resulting in reduced visibility in and around Melbourne. Outdoor fires should not be lit while a smog alert is in place as smoke and ash from burning increases pollution levels. People should consult their local council or shire to check the local laws on open burning on smog alert days. If alternatives are available, avoid using solid fuel domestic heaters. People are asked to avoid unnecessary use of their cars as motor vehicle exhausts are significant contributors to reduced visibility. Industries with licences requiring special action on smog days are instructed to comply with the conditions set out in the licence. People with respiratory, allergic or cardiac conditions are advised to take their medication and minimise strenuous activity. Smog alerts are issued to the media on the day before a potential episode. The media usually include smog alerts in their weather segment and on the front page of daily newspapers. EPA also has a smog alert warning on this web site. A voice recorded message reporting Melbourne's air quality is available via EPA's Pollution Watch phone number. Top of the page The King Island Bush Fires Fires on King island were responsible for an extended period of air pollution over Melbourne. Smoke from these fires reached Melbourne during the period 11 to 13 march 2001. View a case study on the King Island bush fires Top of the page Important Contacts EPA Victoria web site (www.epa.vic.gov.au) EPA Victoria voice recorded message (03) 9695 2777 (country callers 1800 444 004) Contact the by-laws officer of your local council for assistance in dealing with problems associated with incinerators and burning. The Department of Human Services (telephone (03) 9616 7777) can give details on the health effects of smog.