Air quality for Launceston and the Tamar Valley

Launceston and the Tamar Valley have very good air quality for much of the year, providing a much healthier environment than many of the larger cities in Australia. The topography of the valley makes the city and its surrounds visually attractive and provides residents with magnificent views from thousands of vantage points. However this topography, when combined with calm winter days and extensive use of wood for heating is the cause of poor air quality in winter. The prevailing meteorology creates extended periods of cold calm conditions over much of the valley in winter and autumn.

Research has shown that approximately 73% of air pollution in Launceston and the surrounding towns in winter is due to domestic woodheaters and open fires. Estimates are that woodheaters are responsible for the release of over 1,200 tonnes of particle pollution into the air above Launceston every autumn and winter.

The number of woodheaters has been reduced to 8,500 in the past five years due to the increased uptake of electric heating, including heat pumps. It is anticipated that more people will change to natural gas as it becomes available. New building codes have mandated insulation requirements for all new homes to reduce the need for home heating.

Even though air quality is improving, more needs to be done.

There are numerous steps you can take to improve air quality.

Why is air pollution a problem?

There are many toxic and other substances released into the air by the burning of fuels, including both vegetation and transport fuels. The Australian and State Governments have established a process to regulate air quality and make sure that the air in our cities and towns is safe to breathe. They have developed national Air Quality Standards.

Woodsmoke contains small hazardous particles that can be breathed deep into the lungs. Each day humans inhale some 10,000 to 20,000 litres of air. This means that even small quantities of hazardous contaminants present in the air may have an impact on our lungs and health. The long-term impacts of breathing woodsmoke particles is unknown, however there is some indication they could be carcinogenic.

More information about air quality and health is available here.

Launceston Air Quality Initiatives

Since 2002, a woodsmoke education program has been targeting people with smoky chimneys in the Launceston area. Smoke patrols are conducted throughout the city and in some surrounding areas identified as having a woodsmoke problem during winter.  A regional air quality officer, based at Launceston City Council offices, is available to provide advice and visit residents to identify problems with smoky woodheaters. If your health is being impacted on by a neighbours smoky heater, the air quality officer may be able to help, feel free to contact 6323 3000 to discuss your situation. Educational materials are available to assist people manage their woodheaters well. If you have found a 'smoky chimney' calling card in your letterbox, click here, to find out what to do.

The Tasmanian Government monitors PM₁₀ or respirable particle pollution throughout the year at Ti Tree Bend. A small portable particle counter is also available to monitor in other towns where there is a perceived particle pollution problem. 

Further information on air quality is available form both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and a host of organisations and agencies around the world involved in research and monitoring activities relevant to atmospheric pollution and its impact on human health.