PM2.5 particles in the air

PM_2.5 particles are very small particles found in air. They have a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (0.0025 mm) or less. PM_2.5 particles are a common air pollutant that can impact human health and the environment.

Common sources of PM_2.5 particles include:

• car and truck exhausts
  
• coal-fired power stations
• industry
• smoke from fires
• smoke from wood heaters.
  

We measure PM_2.5 particles at some of our air monitoring sites.

PM_2.5 particles and the law

The general environmental duty applies to activities that create emissions containing PM_2.5 particles.

The Environment Reference Standard (ERS) sets the standard for PM_2.5 particles in the air.

Businesses must control PM_2.5 particle emissions from their activities to:

• prevent harm
• comply with their legal duties
• meet community expectations.

The Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window) set out the obligations to manage PM_2.5 particles. This includes the requirement for some businesses to report their emissions to the National Pollutant Inventory.

In some cases, you must get our permission to conduct activities that release PM_2.5 particles into the atmosphere. Our permissions focus on activities that may have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Permissions have conditions that must be followed.

Activities that release PM_2.5 particles may need the permission L01 – General discharges or emissions to the atmosphere.

A person must not manufacture or supply a solid fuel heater unless it complies with Australian Standards for emissions and efficiency:

• Domestic solid fuel burning appliances - Method for determination of power output and efficiency(opens in a new window) (AS 4012:2014)
• Domestic solid fuel burning appliances - Method for determination of flue gas emission(opens in a new window) (AS 4013:2014).

Our role in PM_2.5 particles

We monitor air quality around Victoria. We have air monitoring equipment that measures airborne particles, such as smoke. The data we collect supports our daily air quality forecasts.

We compare this data with PM_2.5 standards in the ERS. The ERS provides a benchmark to understand air quality and how to protect it – for example, when we assess air emission discharge licence applications for businesses.

Learn more about how we monitor the quality of the environment.

Impact of PM_2.5 particles on your health

PM_2.5 particles are small enough for you to breathe them deeply into your lungs. Sometimes particles can enter your bloodstream.

People who are sensitive to air pollution might experience symptoms when PM_2.5 levels are high. This includes people with heart or lung conditions. Symptoms can include:

• wheezing
• coughing
• chest tightness
• difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, follow your treatment plan or seek medical advice. If you're concerned about symptoms related to air quality, find out who to contact.