Wood heater use was the likely cause of higher concentrations of dust particles measured at Muswellbrook and Singleton last weekend, according to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Environment protection and regulation deputy chief executive Greg Sullivan said smoke from domestic wood heaters can impact on air quality during winter.
Mr Sullivan said the readings were characteristic of the type of particle matter expected from home wood heaters and cold and foggy conditions in Muswellbrook on Sunday morning would have also contributed.
“This provides a good example of how effectively the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network is already working to provide the community with real-time, accurate data on air quality from sources ranging from coal mining and power generation industries to bush fires and local domestic wood heaters,” Mr Sullivan said.
Anyone whose health is impacted by air quality can subscribe to free SMS or email alerts at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/s ub scribe.htm.
Email a friend