Air quality and why it's important

The EPA monitors and regulates South Australia’s air quality. We have a strong focus on the control of emissions that contribute to pollution. We monitor air quality in metropolitan Adelaide and some regional centres, and have programs to maintain and improve our air quality.

We work in partnership with industry and community to support better environmental outcomes. We work with SA Health and Bureau of Meteorology to understand the impacts of air quality on South Australians.

Air pollution is caused by the emission of pollutants from a wide variety of anthropogenic and natural sources including industry, light and heavy vehicles, domestic sources such as solid fuel heaters (eg wood heaters) and gardening equipment (eg lawnmowers), and natural events such as bushfires and dust storms.

There is increasing evidence that even relatively low levels of air pollution can have adverse effects on our health and consequently any improvement in air quality will result in improved health outcomes. Recent research indicates that fine particles pose the greatest risk to Australian communities.

Some groups are particularly susceptible or sensitive to poor air quality such as children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. SA Health provides advice to vulnerable groups on managing the effects of poor air quality (such as dust). 

There is potential for South Australia’s air quality to get worse in the future due to the impacts of climate change on dust storms and bushfires, population growth and traffic.

The EPA's approach to air quality management includes: