Understanding air quality data | Air | Environment and Heritage

We report on air quality in near real-time using up-to-date, accurate concentration data on hourly and daily basis. For most parts of the network, air quality is also presented as air quality categories derived from concentration data. On a daily basis every afternoon, we issue a next-day air quality forecast for Sydney. We share this information in various ways:

in tables, maps and text
by pollutant, location (site, region) and time
on our website, via email/SMS subscription, and in reports.

Sunrise at South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park

About the air quality categories

Air quality categories help us understand air quality and modify our activities if pollution levels are high.

OEH scientist checking a dust watch monitoring station in Gunnedah

Quality assurance for the air quality monitoring network

Quality assurance procedures are applied to ensure the validity and integrity of air quality data we acquire and report.

Air pollution monitoring satellite modelling on computer

Air pollutant units and conversion factors

Air pollutants are measured in various units. Find out about the units and how to convert them so you can compare our data with data from other sources.

A view of the mountains from Warrumbungle National Park in the Central West region of New South Wales

Standards and goals for measuring air pollution

Setting air quality standards and goals are essential for protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of air pollution.

A view of the landscape from Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales

Air quality data averaging periods

Air quality data readings are taken continuously and averaged to give hourly and daily air quality information.

Glossary of air quality terms

Glossary of words, phrases and acronyms used in air quality monitoring and reporting.