Air Quality & Hot Weather Warning – 10th December 2019
NSW Health has advised that due to the current HAZARDOUS air quality levels across Sydney and some parts of the state, everyone, regardless of their health, should cut back on any outdoor physical activity.
In addition to poor air quality, temperatures today in Sydney and parts of NSW are set to reach 42°C with authorities warning that today people need to take necessary actions to keep cool and avoid over heating and reduce their exposure to smoky air. Dr Richard Broome, Director of Environmental Health said today that “Hot weather and poor air quality are a recipe for severe illness unless people take simple precautions,”
Football NSW therefore advises that all football activities in Sydney and affected areas should be postponed or cancelled for the health and safety of participants or alternative indoor activities organised.
The air quality readings in many parts of Sydney are currently above 2200 and are the highest hazardous air quality levels ever recorded in many areas and is unlikely to improve today. As this notice is relevant to all of NSW including areas where fires and smoke may not be present, clubs and organisers in those areas are responsible for checking the AQI readings and making decisions based on local air quality conditions.
CHECKING AIR QUALITY IN YOUR AREA
- Step 1 Go to the EPA Air Quality Index website (https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/air-quality/current-air-quality)
- Step 2 A list of areas and suburbs will appear. In the list of scroll down to the nearest suburb or area to your club venue.
- Step 3 The last columns on the right show the latest air quality readings for the area or suburb selected.
(Note: PM 10 = course particles e.g. dust and ash. PM 2.5 = fine particles e.g. smoke)
For further information or to report a problem with the AQI website, phone NSW Environment on 131 555.
In the event that a Club or Association decides to proceed with football activities, parents and/or players should make their own decision about whether they should participate and Clubs and Associations must not penalise anyone who chooses not to attend due to health concerns.
The air quality in Sydney and surrounding areas over the coming days is forecast to remain at VERY POOR to HAZARDOUS and over the coming weeks, if the fire situation in Sydney and other parts of NSW continues as predicted, clubs and associations will need to check and monitor the AQI readings for their area and make appropriate decisions at that time regarding cancellation or postponement of trials, training and games, subject to local conditions.
Further Information
The Impact of Poor Air Quality and High Temperatures on the Football Player
What Is the Air Quality Index?
