Live air data
The Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) in collaboration with industry partners operates an air quality monitoring network across the state.
Data from the monitoring network is presented online as ambient concentration, air quality categories and smoke and dust health action levels which are updated hourly.
What’s new
View the current smoke and dust levels across Queensland and general guidance on what actions to take to protect your health during a smoke event
Current smoke and dust levels
There are currently no elevated health action levels.
Based on PM2.5 readings at air monitoring stations and smoke sensors at Tuesday 5 November 2024 7am.
For current bushfire and smoke warnings, visit the Queensland Fire Department website.
Tuesday 5 November 2024 7am
Metals
Select a value within the table to generate charts and to download air quality data.
| Station | Lead µg/m³24hr avg about | Arsenic µg/m³24hr avg about | Cadmium µg/m³24hr avg about | Copper µg/m³24hr avg about | Zinc µg/m³24hr avg about | Nickel µg/m³24hr avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastguard | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Lennon Drive | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Station | Lead µg/m³24hr avg about | Arsenic µg/m³24hr avg about | Cadmium µg/m³24hr avg about | Copper µg/m³24hr avg about | Zinc µg/m³24hr avg about | Nickel µg/m³24hr avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Gap | 0.064 | 0.007 | 0 | 0.203 | 0.11 | 0 |
None of the data is validated (0% validated, 0/18 records)
The data used to compile this air quality information comes directly from the department's air monitoring network and has only undergone a preliminary quality check. Data is retrieved from the stations every hour and after quality checks, is available approximately 1 hour later.
All data on this site is shown in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
- If there is no data measured for a parameter, or data could not be retrieved from the monitoring station at this hour, no data is shown in the cell.
About these Metals parameters
- Lead
Lead is commonly used in manufacturing products like batteries and solders. The major emission source is from the mining, smelting and processing of mineral ores. Inhaling or consuming lead and its compounds can affect the human body, particularly the nervous system, and may result in growth and developmental problems in children.
The guideline for Lead is 2µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Lead is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
- Arsenic
Elemental arsenic does not occur naturally but its compounds are widespread, often occurring with metal-bearing ores and released during processing. It is widely used in timber preservatives and pesticides, and is well-documented as an occupational hazard.
The guideline for Arsenic is 0.3µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Arsenic is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
- Cadmium
Cadmium compounds occur naturally in the environment, particularly in areas of mineralisation. The major emission source is the processing of metal ores for lead, zinc and copper, where cadmium is a valuable by-product.
The guideline for Cadmium is 2µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Cadmium is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
- Copper
Copper is one of a number of essential metals, and a small daily intake is required to maintain a healthy life. However, ingesting high levels of the element can lead to adverse health effects, as some of its compounds are toxic.
The guideline for Copper is 50µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Copper is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
- Zinc
Zinc occurs widely in nature, and is another metal essential in trace quantities for good health. Exposure to elevated levels is more likely through occupational exposure in industry such as mining and smelting and processing of metal ores. Insufficient zinc intake has a detrimental effect on growth, and immune and reproductive system development. Adverse health effects generally only occur where the exposure is high.
The guideline for Zinc is 120µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Zinc is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
- Nickel
The guideline for Nickel is 0.12µg/m³ (24hr avg).
Nickel is measured in micrograms per cubic metre.
