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.
Smoke and dust health action levels
There are currently no elevated health action levels.
Based on PM2.5 readings at air monitoring stations and smoke sensors at Wednesday 20 January 2021 10am.
For current bushfire and smoke warnings, visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website.
Wednesday 20 January 2021 10am
Organics
Select a value within the table to generate charts and to download air quality data.
| Station | Benzene ppb24hr avg about | Toluene ppb24hr avg about | Xylene ppb24hr avg about | Formaldehyde ppb24hr avg about |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Park | 2.1 | 1.9 | 6.2 | 4.3 |
Data has been validated (100% validated, all 4 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 Organics parameters
- Benzene
Benzene is an organic compound occurring naturally in fossil fuels and entering the atmosphere from both natural processes and human activities that involve the combustion of organic matter. Long-term exposure results in an increased incidence of blood and immune system disorders, including anaemia and leukaemia.
The guideline for Hydrogen sulfide is 5ppb (30 min avg) for odour nuisance and 108ppb (24hr avg) for health and wellbeing.
Benzene is measured in parts per billion.
- Toluene
Toluene is a colourless organic liquid. Burning organic matter, such as wood, coal and petroleum products generates toluene, and it occurs naturally in crude oil. Motor vehicle emissions are the main source of toluene in the urban air environment, although evaporative losses from fuel storage facilities and service stations, as well as the use of toluene-based solvents and thinners are other contributors.
The guideline for Hydrogen sulfide is 5ppb (30 min avg) for odour nuisance and 108ppb (24hr avg) for health and wellbeing.
Toluene is measured in parts per billion.
- Xylene
Burning organic matter, such as wood, coal and petroleum products generates xylene, and it also occurs naturally in crude oil. Motor vehicle emissions are the predominant source of xylene in the urban air environment.
The guideline for Hydrogen sulfide is 5ppb (30 min avg) for odour nuisance and 108ppb (24hr avg) for health and wellbeing.
Xylene is measured in parts per billion.
- Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde in its normal state is a colourless gas. Low levels of formaldehyde are part of naturally occurring decomposition processes. In urban environments formaldehyde emission sources include motor vehicle exhaust, domestic solid fuel and gas combustion, goods manufactured with formaldehyde-based glues and resins and tobacco smoke.
The guideline for Hydrogen sulfide is 5ppb (30 min avg) for odour nuisance and 108ppb (24hr avg) for health and wellbeing.
Formaldehyde is measured in parts per billion.
