Our Mission

Leading and involving the Southland community in managing our natural resources of air, water, land and coast in order to protect and enhance the lifestyle and well-being of current and future generations.

Air Quality Monitoring

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What is PM10?

The most widespread air quality problem in New Zealand is contamination by microscopic-sized fine particles. The particles are 10 microns or less in size – about a fifth of the width of an average human hair – and are referred to as PM10 (particulate matter 10 microns). Studies have shown that most of the PM10 emitted in New Zealand comes from the burning of wood and coal in domestic solid fuel heating appliances (e.g. open fires, wood and coal burners). Industrial sources of PM10, which are relatively few in number, are regulated in Southland.

Excessive concentrations of PM10 are associated with numerous health problems. These range from minor irritation of the eyes and nose, to more severe effects when inhaled such as respiratory diseases and asthma attacks. Children and the elderly tend to be the most susceptible. These health effects in turn can increase hospital admissions, use of medication, and lost productive days.

Some 30 urban centres throughout New Zealand have been identified as having PM10 levels that periodically exceed the maximum acceptable levels specified by international and New Zealand authorities. This level is specified as a concentration of 50 micrograms of particulate per cubic metre of air (or 50 µg/m3 for short).

Environment Southland monitors PM10 continuously in Gore and Invercargill. We also monitor PM10 in towns throughout Southland.

How Air Pollution Effects the Human Body

When you breathe in suspended particulate matter (PM10) it can attack and inflame your tissues all the way down the respiratory tract. Because these particles are so small, they can go deep inside your lungs and damage the smallest airways called bronchioles.

Particles may also enter the bloodstream. Together with inflammatory mediators, they cause serious effects on the nervous system, as well as the heart and lungs.

Air pollution has the greatest effect on children, the elderly and those with respiratory and heart problems. Here is what air pollution can do to our health:

• Increase and aggravate asthma
• Create disease in the airways of children
• Increase respiratory illness in children
• Damage the lungs
• Increase deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular disease
• Increase hospital admissions for lung and heart disease
• Cause chest pain and nausea
• Cause shortness of breath and (faster) laboured breathing
• Permanently change lung structure

Air

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Related information

Other sections that may interest you:

• Air Quality Plan
• Applying for a Burning Consent
• Monitoring Report Cards

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