Air quality an issue

Busselton's air quality has slipped below national standards more times than anywhere in WA in the past 12 months, putting residents at risk of respiratory illnesses.

The State Government has blamed bush fires and prescribed burns for causing 10 exceedences in air particles in Busselton, which the Health Department warned could exasperate respiratory illnesses.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said a Department of Environment and Conservation air monitoring station on Kent Street in Busselton recorded exceedences of the National Environment Protection Measure 24-hour advisory reporting standard on October 16, 18 and 19, November 18, December 31, January 1 and 2 and May 5, 12 and 13.

However, Mr Marmion revealed the reduction in air quality was partly caused by the same department which was responsible for monitoring it.

“A combination of DEC prescribed burning, burning on private property and bushfires would have contributed to the exceedences,” Mr Marmion said.

The Minister said Busselton’s air quality was generally good but environmental variations, including hot, dry or windy conditions could also affect particle numbers.

Mr Marmion told members of State Parliament’s lower house this month there were about 35 exceedences in WA in past year, 11 above the State Government target. Most were recorded at regional sites.

Department of Health environmental health director Jim Dodds said an increase in particles from bush fire smoke was associated with an exasperation of respiratory illnesses, hospital admissions and visits to emergency departments.

“Individuals with underlying respiratory disorders may experience a temporary increase insymptoms,” the spokesperson said.

WA Country Health Service was unable to provide details on the level of Busselton Hospital admissions from respiratory illness when contacted by the Times this week.

The Health Department advised residents to find DEC’s burning schedules at its website and reduce respiratory risk by refraining from smoking and limiting “strenuous outdoor activity”.

“Individuals may choose to stay indoors with air-conditioner set to “recycle,” Mr Dodds said.

The department acknowledged the burns were “necessary” in reducing the risk of bush fires which risked lives and impacted respiratory health for communities months after they occurred.

Mr Marmion said the DEC was implementing programs and initiatives to manage air quality and considered potential air quality impacts during planning for prescribed burns.

“However, it is not always possible to predict short and longer term weather patterns, resulting in some smoke from prescribed burning activities occasionally impacting the public,” he said.

The Health Department advised those in “respiratory distress” to seek medical advice.