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At a glance The issue Carbon monoxide is a gaseous pollutant produced from a variety of sources across Tasmania. It can be harmful to human health and is causing widespread concern. This 'At a glance' section provides an overview of the issue of carbon monoxide. More detailed information and references are available in the Carbon Monoxide Issue Report. There are two indicators available in the report on the Exceedences of NEPM Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide Concentrations and Emission of Air Pollutants. Recommendations are also presented, which aim to support management action in relation to carbon monoxide. These recommendations address Total Exposure to Air Pollution, Pollution from Transport and Ambient Air Quality Monitoring. Favourable news - The current ambient air quality monitoring in Hobart suggests carbon monoxide levels are below national standards, but the magnitude of the carbon monoxide pollution problem is not conclusive due to limited data.
- The National Pollutant Inventory is providing useful information about emissions in Tasmania.
Unfavourable news - Exposure to carbon monoxide can reduce the carriage of oxygen in the blood to organs in the body. Low levels of exposure can lead to an increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease symptoms.
- Carbon monoxide pollution is primarily a problem in urban areas, where major sources such as vehicles and wood heaters are concentrated.
- Hobart has experienced problems with carbon monoxide pollution in the past, and monitoring of the magnitude of the current situation in Hobart is not conclusive.
Uncertain news - There are limited data available to determine the magnitude of the carbon monoxide pollution problem in Tasmania. There is only one monitoring site, in Hobart, located at DPIWE's Prince of Wales Bay Air Monitoring Station. Current monitoring in Hobart has not shown any exceedences of the NEPM standard. However, these measurements are aimed at characterising carbon monoxide concentrations from woodsmoke sources rather than from motor vehicles within the Hobart CBD. Improvements in monitoring should allow conditions and trends to be reported in the future.
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