Climate Change Concerns and Air Pollution with Dr Lucas Hertzog

With extreme air pollution events becoming more common as a result of climate change linked emissions, new research from Curtin University has linked an estimated 1454 deaths across major Australian cities to extreme pollution levels.

The study finds these deaths are caused by fine particles, known as PM_2.5 particle. These particles are released into the air from sources such as bushfire smoke, dust storms, and car exhaust fumes.

Australian cities have experienced “days of extreme pollution levels” that exceeded “WHO air quality guidelines”, which the study suggests are causing adverse health effects such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.

On the 14th of February, Fiona Bartholomaeus talked with lead author Dr Lucas Hertzog from Curtin University’s Centre for Climate Change to discuss how the research was conducted and recommended ways for managing air quality.

Air Pollution Dr Hertzog