Prior to the Industrial Revolution, nature’s own air-conditioning managed to keep the air relatively clean. Wind mixed and dispersed the gases, rain washed dust and other substances into the ground, while plants absorbed carbon dioxide and replaced it with oxygen.

In the post-industrial revolution years, considerably more pollution has been added to our atmosphere from industrial, commercial and domestic sources. Furthermore, extensive removal of forests and vegetation around the world has reduced the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When nature no longer has the capacity to manage pollutants they become concentrated and often exceed safe limits.

Haze is the name given to the collections of tiny particles from wood smoke and vehicle exhausts which make our skies look brown. Haze is most likely to be observed on cold, calm, winter mornings. The haze particles are so tiny that between 15,000 and 50,000 particles can be lined up side by side along a line one centimetre long. Fine particle matter is sampled at four metropolitan sites. Some areas have been found to have similar levels to those recorded in Sydney and Melbourne!

Through the Schools Network on Air Quality (SNAQ), schools can monitor for particulate matter in their local area, and communicate these findings with other members of SNAQ. Students have the opportunity to learn about the causes and effects of particulate haze, and to examine the meteorological conditions that can exacerbate a haze event. Follow-up activities may involve the students communicating with their community to help prevent the formation of haze in their area.

Phone Fiona on (08) 6467 5124 or email her on fiona.marr@dec.wa.gov.au to discuss how your school can get involved in SNAQ on Haze monitoring.