Home fires ‘main’ air polluters

Southern towns are among the worst for air quality, with woodburners being blamed for potential health problems.

The findings were revealed yesterday in Our Air 2018, a joint report from the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics NZ offering a snapshot of air quality.

Its findings have prompted the Government to announce a review of the national environmental standard for air quality.

Alexandra, Arrowtown and Cromwell were the worst hit, with particulate matter (PM) exceeding the national limit 51 times in Alexandra in 2014 and 48 times in Arrowtown and Cromwell in the same year. Data showed that PM10 concentration declined in 2016 in those areas, but remained significantly higher than in other areas such as Gisborne, Geraldine and Kerikeri, which fared relatively well.

PM10 – particulate matter equal to or less than 10 micrometres in diameter – is small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and cause health issues.

The data gathered was limited to the number of areas that could measure PM10 concentrations and strikes were counted for each time concentrations exceeded the national standards for a 24-hour average.

The report said burning fuels to heat homes was the biggest single human-made source of particulate matter in the air. The problem was particularly bad during cooler months.

Particulate matter can cause human health problems ranging from shortness of breath and coughing to lung cancer, emphysema or premature death.

The risk was particularly pronounced among vulnerable people like the elderly, sick or children, according to the report.

The report said air quality across the country was otherwise good in most places and at most times of the year.

Weather and topography played a part in pollutant buildup.

In the wake of the report, Associate Minister for the Environment Nanaia Mahuta announced a review of the national environmental standard for air quality.

‘‘We can and should do more, especially if we’re to reduce the health impacts associated with air quality issues,’’ she said.

‘‘While air quality may not be the biggest environmental issue New Zealand faces, it is of real concern to those affected, and to those who care more generally about our environment.’’

It called for more data to be gathered on air quality and its effects on human health, ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Our Air 2018 report offers a snapshot of air quality.