Why air quality is important

Clean air is important to the health and wellbeing of you, your family, your community and the environment.  

The air we breathe is a mixture of different chemicals that constantly change. Some chemicals released into the air are pollutants. These pollutants can occur indoors and outdoors, and some can harm people and the environment.  

We monitor air pollutants to determine air quality for different regions across New South Wales and provide reliable information about pollution levels. 

Smoke at sunrise with clouds and early morning mist viewed from helicopter. Denison Providence hazard reduction burn
Smoke at sunrise with clouds and early morning mist viewed from helicopter. Denison Providence hazard reduction burn. 
Credit: Ian Dicker/DPE
Air pollutant sources and impacts

Learn about different types of air pollution, where they come from and how they can impact you and your environment.

A view of the mountains from Warrumbungle National Park in the Central West region of New South Wales
A view of the mountains from Warrumbungle National Park in the Central West region of New South Wales. 
Credit: Robert Cleary/DCCEEW
National standards for air pollution

Learn about the national standards for different types of air pollution.

Sunrise at South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park
Sunrise at South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. 
Credit: David Finnegan/DCCEEW
Air quality categories

Air quality categories help us understand the current and forecast air quality and take appropriate action when pollution levels are high.

A scientist analysing for pollutants
A scientist analysing for pollutants. 
Credit: Simone Cottrell/DCCEEW
Glossary of air quality terms

Glossary of words, phrases and acronyms used in air quality monitoring and reporting.