Parts of Sydney experienced “extremely poor” air quality warnings on Tuesday morning as a dust storm swept in from the east.
The north-west and central west regions of Sydney, including Parramatta, faced the worst air pollution. Poor air quality was also observed across Sydney, stretching as far south as Goulburn and as far north as Muswellbrook, according to official pollution monitoring stations.
People sensitive to air pollution were advised to stay indoors and close windows and doors until air quality improved, or to travel to places with air conditioning if preferred to their homes, as a dust storm sweeping across NSW exhibited high levels of pollution.
The government issued warnings about high levels of PM10 particles, commonly found in bushfire smoke or dust storms. These particles have a diameter of 10 micrometres or less and can cause serious health effects.
Even those without particular sensitivities were advised to avoid outdoor physical activity if they developed symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath, and to close windows and doors when indoors.
The dust storm originated in South Australia, hitting the town of Orroroo on Monday, creating an orange haze and blocking the sky.
The dust storm also affected regional Victoria, including the area around Mildura.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the dust storms and haze affecting Australia’s south-east would clear in the afternoon, brought about by south-westerly winds.
