Dust Storm

Factsheets - Dust storms

New South Wales Weather and Warnings

This site contains information that will help you manage and contain the impacts of the current, extraordinary weather conditions. It is essential that if you seek immediate medical attention if you believe your health is deteriorating quickly or significantly. This is particularly important for people with existing respiratory ailments such as asthma and other breathing difficulties.

NSW Health advises people to stay indoors and wherever possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors due to the high particle levels and hazardous air quality. We understand these adverse conditions are likely to continue tomorrow.

Children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effect of particle pollution. As well as staying indoors, you should keep windows closed and monitor your symptoms. Asthma sufferers need to follow their Asthma Action Plan, closely, and take relieving medication as required.

Fine dust particles can irritate the lungs of even healthy adults, so everyone should cut back, significantly, on outdoor physical activity for the duration of the dust storm.

More information on local air quality and forecasts is available at the Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water website:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/aqialerts.htm