Air Quality and Smoke

Air Quality Information

Monitoring Air Pollution
Information on the air quality monitoring activities, stations and data collected by the Tasmanian EPA.

Air Quality Legislation
An overview of the legislation relating to air quality in Tasmania.

Wood Heaters and Cookers
Rules for wood-fired heating and cooking under the Smoke Regulations and further information on woodheater smoke.

Backyard Burning
Rules for backyard burning under the Smoke Regulations.

Planned Burning
Information on the measures undertaken by agencies and industry to improve planned burning practices and complaint handling.

Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service Planned Burns

Real-time Air Quality Data - George Town

Smoke and Health

During bushfire seasons may result in periods of smoky conditions. Pregnant women, infants and children, elderly persons, smokers, and people with chronic medical conditions (especially lung and heart conditions) are more sensitive to the effects of smoke.

It is important for persons at risk from smoke to have a management plan with their GP for exacerbations of their medical condition such as asthma, and for them to know when to use their plan.

The following is the key public health advice about managing smoky conditions:

• Avoid physical activity outdoors when it is smoky.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed where possible.
• If using an air conditioner, switch it to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’.
• Consider visiting family or friends, or the library or shopping centre, if your home gets too hot for comfort or a lot of smoke from the outside gets in.
• If there is a break in smoky conditions, open the windows and air out your home.
• Get immediate medical advice if you experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties or chest pain.
• Get real-time air quality information for your area on the EPA website, or by downloading the AirRater app and subscribing to alerts.