The air can be polluted with gases or tiny particles. And because you breathe the air, you are also breathing in pollution from things like traffic, emissions of industry or smoke from bushfires. Even if you can't see it, you may still be affected when these gases and tiny particles get into your lungs.
Sources of air pollution in the Port Phillip region
Source: Future air quality in Victoria, EPA Victoria, 2013 (excluding bushfires, planned burns and agricultural burns) Note: Units measured in average daily PM2.5 emissions (tonnes/day) by source group, 2006 data
Source: Future air quality in Victoria, EPA Victoria, 2013
Note: Units measured in average daily PM2.5
emissions by
source group, 2006 data
The effect on your health
Air pollution can move deep into the lungs and can even enter the bloodstream. This can play a part in heart or lung problems, cancer and even premature death. Some of us, such as people with a heart or lung condition (including asthma), pregnant women, children and older people are more sensitive to air pollution.
How can I protect myself?
- Find out about air quality with EPA's air quality forecasts or follow us on Twitter, so that you can reduce your exposure by, for example, avoiding outdoor activities when air quality is poor.
- Leave smoky areas if possible or stay indoors with the windows closed.
- Learn about simple steps to protect your health.
- Report air pollution from industry or vehicles
How can I reduce my impact?
- Don’t burn green waste or other rubbish.
- Find out how to best operate your wood heater or switch from a wood heater to gas or electric heating.
- Take public transport, cycle or walk instead of driving.
- Keep your car well-tuned and maintained. Where possible, turn off the engine when not moving.