Canberrans are being advised that air quality across the ACT has deteriorated due to the current dust levels.

The ACT Health Directorate’s air quality monitoring stations are now registering high levels of dust particles reducing air quality across the territory to ‘very poor’ and ‘hazardous’ levels.

With air quality at these levels, all Canberrans are advised to limit vigorous physical activity outdoors.

People who are more sensitive to dust in the air, particularly those with asthma and other heart or lung conditions, should continue to take extra precautions. This includes taking medication as prescribed by their doctor and reducing exposure where possible, for example, by staying indoors with windows and doors closed.

Anyone with concerns about their health should seek medical advice from their health practitioner, and anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing should seek urgent medical assistance. In the event of a medical emergency call triple zero 000.

People can monitor air quality levels across the ACT by downloading the AirRater app. The Health Directorate is also continuing to monitor levels, and if there is a further decline in air quality, we will issue additional health advice.

At this time, dust levels are forecasted to ease throughout tomorrow (Saturday 23 November 2019).

For further information on minimising the health impacts of dust, refer to our dust factsheet.