Emergency advice: air quality

Smoke, pollution and other particles can impact your health and it’s important to reduce your exposure where you can.

Published
Decorative

Monitor air quality

You can check the air quality in Sydney with the NSW Government’s official air quality index. You can also subscribe for the latest updates.

The index outlines what kinds of activities are recommended at particular air quality levels.

Reduce risk from bushfire smoke

During bushfire season, smoke can affect air quality in large parts of NSW. The heavy smoke can impact your health and it’s important to reduce your exposure where you can:

  • Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and managing health conditions such as asthma. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen.
  • Monitor health quality and follow health messages.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Spend more time indoors. Shut doors and windows to help keep smoke out. Open doors and windows when the smoke clears.
  • Spend time in places with air-conditioning like cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.
  • Avoiding spending time around sources of indoor air pollution such as cigarettes, candles and incense.
  • NSW Health has more advice about protecting yourself from bushfire smoke.