Massive dust clouds blanketed parts of the state, including the capital of Sydney, on Tuesday, creating conditions which experts warn are hazardous to health.
Authorities warned of “extremely poor” air quality in some suburbs, with PM10 particle levels exceeding 600 – far above the “good” threshold of 40, according to environmental standards.
PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or fewer, which are “small enough to pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs”, according to NSW Health. Short-term exposure to them can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and lung or heart disease.
Particles in the air may include dust, sea salt, and by-products from fires, vehicles and industrial sources, according to Air Quality NSW. “These particles can pass into the lungs,” the agency said, adding they can trigger breathing difficulties, eye and throat irritation, or worsen chronic bronchitis and asthma.
The dust storm originated in South Australia and swept across Victoria, reducing visibility to as little as 300 metres (1,000 feet) before moving into central and southeastern New South Wales, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
