Over the past several weeks, many Australian communities have been experiencing poor and hazardous air quality. This is as devastating and widespread bushfires continue to sweep across the country.

For those more vulnerable to air quality, such as asthma sufferers, it can feel like the smoke is inescapable.

We expect the fires will continue well into summer. Accessing up-to-date, accurate, air quality forecasts are vital in minimising people’s exposure to smoke and dangerous particles. Our technology is being used to do just that.

Steering clear of PM2.5

The haze blanketing our streets and infiltrating homes and buildings is also a health concern. This is a result of elevated levels of tiny air particles called PM2.5 carried by bushfire smoke.

Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can cause short and long-term health impacts like respiratory and heart conditions and stroke. Specific types of face masks can offer a level of protection, but it’s better to reduce exposure in the first place.

Our forecasting system called AQFx (Air Quality Forecasting X) provides hourly and daily information on, and forecasts of, the location and movement of PM2.5 and other pollutants in the air.

One of our scientists working on the modelling system, Fabienne Reisen, explains how it works.

“We measure these particles in the air using a network of low-cost sensors that collects data. Then we visualise the data on a high-resolution map,” she said.

“AQFx provides emergency services teams, environmental protection agencies and health services across Australia with important information on hazardous air quality. We use the data from the network to assess the performance of AQFx.”