News

Queensland fire emergency leaves Brisbane’s air quality worse than Beijing

ABC reports; The air quality in Brisbane is currently worse than Beijing as haze from bushfires burning across Queensland and New South Wales blankets the south-east corner.

According to “The World Air Quality Index” the air quality is rated as very unhealthy, across several areas of Brisbane including Rocklea, South Brisbane, Woolloongabba, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Lytton and Cannon Hill.

What those ratings mean is that the air quality is so bad it is at an emergency level, and likely to be affecting the entire Brisbane population to some extent.

The state’s Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young has issued a formal alert and is urging everyone to stay indoors for the next 24 to 48 hours.

“Treat this seriously and don’t be complacent. Whether you’re in Logan or Lowood or anywhere in between, everyone needs to limit time spent outdoors while these conditions remain,” Dr Young said.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said much of the smoke was blowing up from the fires in northern New South Wales.

BOM meteorologist Dan Narramor said the smoke haze showed no signs of dispersing anytime soon.

Queensland Ambulance’s Kowai Timu said people with pre-existing lung conditions like asthma and emphysema needed to take extra care.

If you are really struggling, a special face mask, called a respirator, can be effective at keeping out pollution.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-11/queensland-fires-see-brisbane-air-quality-worse-than-beijing/11691860