The air quality index (AQI) is a measurement of the level of pollutants in the air. Specifically, it measures the amounts of major pollutants including particulate matter, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
The AQI in Orange typically ranges from 50 to 100, which is considered moderate air quality. During bushfire events, the AQI can spike over 150 which is considered unhealthy. The main contributors to air pollution in Orange are vehicle emissions, wood heaters, hazard reduction burns and dust.
Compared to other Australian cities, Orange generally has better air quality due to its smaller population size and fewer industries. However, it is still susceptible to pollution from bushfire smoke during fire seasons. Sydney and Melbourne often have poorer air quality due to their larger populations and increased industrial activity.
The forecast is for air quality in Orange to gradually improve over the next decade as stricter national environmental laws around vehicle emissions and wood heaters take effect. The NSW government has implemented various programs to help households transition to cleaner wood heaters or heat pumps.
Adherence to environmental law is important for the air quality forecast to eventuate. National standards limiting industrial air pollution will also assist in keeping Orange's air clean into the future. Maintaining pollution controls and introducing technology like electric vehicles will be key.
What is the Air Quality Index of Orange?
The current AQI for Orange is 55 (moderate) according to IQAIR. This measures particle pollution PM2.5 at 7.2 μg/m3 and ozone levels at 76 μg/m3 which fall into the moderate air quality category.
Does Orange Have Good Air Quality Compared to Other Cities?
Yes, Orange generally has better air quality compared to other major Australian cities. In the 2021 air quality rankings by IQAir, Orange came in at 116 out of 173 cities ranked while Sydney ranked 171 and Melbourne 168 showing much higher levels of pollution. However, during bushfire season Orange can still experience spikes in pollution.
Is Orange More Polluted than Melbourne?
No, Melbourne reports much higher average pollution levels than Orange. In 2021 Orange's average yearly PM2.5 concentration was 5.7 μg/m3 while Melbourne recorded 8.6 μg/m3. Melbourne's higher population and industry contribute to consistently increased smog and reduced air quality compared to regional NSW areas.
What are the Main Sources of Air Pollution in Orange?
The main air pollutants of concern in Orange are particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. These pollutants largely come from wood heaters and vehicle emissions, especially during winter. Other sources of pollution include hazard reduction burns, dust storms and industry.
Motor vehicle emissions significantly impact Orange's air quality, contributing around 50% of total air pollution. The level of harmful gases like nitrogen oxides have remained high over time due to continued use of petrol and diesel vehicles. Strategies targeting cleaner transport aim to address this.
The primary industrial activities affecting air quality are mining, manufacturing, energy production from coal and coal seam gas, construction and transport logistics. Pollutants from these sources include sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, especially when proper pollution controls are not implemented.
What Strategies are in Place to Improve Air Quality in Orange?
To combat pollution from wood heaters, rebates are available to help households transition to new low emission heaters. NSW environmental regulations have also tightened, requiring all new wood heaters installed to meet Australian standards for particulate emissions.
For vehicle emissions, incentives are in place to boost electric car ownership. Charging infrastructure expansion and road upgrades also support the shift away from petrol/diesel cars. Stricter national vehicle emission standards will reduce pollution from new vehicles entering Australia.
What is Australia Doing to Prevent Air Pollution in Orange?
The NSW EPA works with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, local councils, industry and community to monitor and address air quality issues. The Orange City Council collaborates on projects such as providing low emission public transport and cycling infrastructure. Research bodies also investigate pollution reduction technologies.
Key laws include the Protection of the Environment Operations Act regulating air emissions and the NSW Action for Air plan targeting wood smoke pollution. Stricter national fuel and vehicle emission standards also drive widespread air quality improvements.
How do Local Government Policies Address Air Pollution in Orange?
The Orange City Council Environment Strategy aims to protect air quality through increasing green spaces, supporting low emission transport use and raising community awareness about pollution issues. It also advocates for stricter regulation of industry emissions.
How can we Reduce Air Pollution in Orange?
Individuals can help cut pollution levels by walking, cycling or taking public transport instead of driving. Choosing low emission wood heaters and avoiding burning on poor air quality nights also assists.
For indoor air, ventilating rooms, using green cleaning products and replacing old heaters/air conditioners improves air quality. Workplaces should also implement smoke-free policies.
How did Air Pollution in Orange Change Over Time?
Over the past 10 years, air quality in Orange has gradually improved. The annual average PM2.5 concentration has decreased from 6.3 μg/m3 in 2013 to 5.7 μg/m3 in 2021. This reflects NSW policies like the Wood Smoke Reduction program and Load-based Licensing Scheme regulating industrial emissions.
However winter particle pollution from wood heaters remains an issue during colder months. Ongoing education and incentive schemes aim to accelerate the transition to cleaner heating.
What are the Future Predictions for Air Pollution in Orange?
Air quality forecasts predict Orange's pollution levels will continue decreasing but may be periodically impacted by bushfire smoke events. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent hot, dry conditions increasing bushfire risk.
CSIRO models forecast air quality using weather, pollution and traffic data feeds. Sensor networks measuring real-time pollution data also assist predictions. Emerging technologies like air quality forecasting satellites and AI will improve predictive accuracy.
Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, droughts and dust storms - all of which will negatively impact Orange's air quality at times. However, tightening emissions standards are expected to counteract some of these environmental effects.
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