Big Medicine

Sydney NSW--NSW Health is advising people, especially those with asthma or respiratory conditions, to take precautions today with Sydney predicted to experience poor air quality due to high ozone levels.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant warned that people need to be aware of the link between high temperatures and ozone pollution, which gets worse on hot, still days.

"Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, so parents should limit the amount of time children with asthma play outside as they are more susceptible to the effects of ozone pollution," said Dr Chant.

"Pollution levels tend to be lowest in the morning, so it's best to plan outdoor play in the morning when the day is cooler.

"Ozone levels reach their peak around 7pm in the evening, so it is important people remain indoors where appropriate.

"Asthma sufferers need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, asthma sufferers need to seek medical advice," Dr Chant added.

Ozone pollution, caused by car exhaust and industrial fumes, can also irritate the lungs of healthy adults, so it is best to avoid any prolonged outdoor exercise.

People can have health alerts sent to them via SMS or email by visiting the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water website and subscribing to Air Quality Index daily forecasts.

For more information about air pollution and health, visit the NSW Health air pollution health alerts web page at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/environment/air/aqi.asp.

For more information on local air quality forecast and hourly air quality updates, visit the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Air Quality Index web page at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/aqms/aqiforecast.htm.

For the latest weather forecast, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website at http://www.bom.gov.au/.