Sydney issues air pollution alert as temperatures soar
NAN-F-23
Pollution
Sydney, Jan. 10, 2017 (dpa/NAN) An air pollution alert has been issued for Sydney as much of city and surrounding areas brace for sweltering summer heat, the health officials said on Tuesday.
The health department of the state of New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, had issued an air quality warning.
It says that an increased level of ozone in the atmosphere is likely to affect people with respiratory conditions such as asthma on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Ozone pollution is caused by car exhaust and industrial fumes and gets worse on hot, still days,” the health department said.
As temperatures increase, so does ozone production, especially if there is a lack of wind.
Apart from respiratory conditions, too much ozone could cause eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as coughing.
Sydney was set to hit 31 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while the western suburbs could reach 38 degrees, according to the weather department.
On Wednesday, the temperature was forecast to cross 45 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service also issued a warning for the heightened risk of bushfires for the whole week, asking farmers to take extra measures to protect their properties and valuable assets. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AFA
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Felix Ajide