About air pollution and pollutants
What is air pollution?
Air pollutants mainly come from the discharges of gases and particles mainly from industry, motor vehicles and domestic wood burning . There are also natural sources such as wind-blown dust and smoke from bush fires.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is taken up by blood much more readily than oxygen so the presence of relatively small quantities of it in inhaled air can affect essential body processes.
Oxides of nitrogen
Nitrogen dioxide is known to affect the throat and the lung.
Particles
Particles can aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease resulting in increased hospital admissions, emergency room visits and increases in daily mortality.
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is an irritant gas that attacks in the throat and lungs.
Air quality summary
Wednesday 10 February 2010: Summary for the 24 hours to 9 AM: GOOD to FAIR air quality at all reporting stations.
Forecast: GOOD to FAIR air quality is expected in Melbourne today [Wednesday]