Centre for Air pollution, energy and health Research (CAR) position paper: An evidence-based approach for nationally consistent air quality reporting and public health advice

A proposed evidence-based approach for achieving nationally consistent air quality reporting and associated public health advice for Australians. The general public expects guidance from government agencies during periods of poor air quality but the current inconsistencies across jurisdictions on the air pollutants reported, the time periods reported on, the use of an Air Quality Index (AQI) or otherwise, the differing thresholds for air quality categorisations and health messaging associated with these categories generates confusion. This was clear in the evidence provided by various groups to the Bushfire Royal Commission. In the absence of consistent and easily understood information on current air quality conditions, the public is relying on easily accessible international apps and websites, many of which are not scientifically validated or transparent in the methods used to assign air quality, and often report air quality against international standards that are not relevant for the Australian public. Air quality can change rapidly because of temporal variations in wind and temperature and the source of the pollution itself (for example during bushfires). There is a clear need for a unified approach to air pollution reporting across Australian jurisdictions..