Exceeding national air quality maximum pollution limits for two days out of every three in Central Otago last month did not lead to a noticeable increase in people with respiratory problems needing medical help, a health administrator says.
Otago Regional Council figures for July show that Alexandra exceeded the National Environmental Standard of 50mcg per cubic metre 23 days out of 31 in the month, while Cromwell and Clyde both exceeded the standard for 20 days.
Carol Horgan, Central Otago Health Services general manager, said not only was there no information available to support that idea that respiratory problems increased because of poor air quality in July, but admissions to Dunstan Hospital were fewer than expected at that time of year.
"So the community was healthier than we thought it would be."
Dr Horgan said people suffering from respiratory illnesses generally did so during cold weather.
"And when it's cold, it's cold, whether you have got clean air or dirty air."
ORC air quality scientist Deborah Mills said July was traditionally the worst month for the standards being breached and this year was no different.
She was not surprised that Cromwell had a run of seven days during July where readings were between 111mcg and 132mcg per cubic metre of air.
"That was due to very stable climatic conditions. Most centres in Central Otago followed a very similar pattern. That's typical for July when there is often a long stretch of settled weather without much wind."
The high readings could mainly be blamed on domestic heating, Ms Mills said, although vegetation burn-offs may also have played a part.
The readings were cause for some concern as they indicated air quality was poor, she said.
"That's something we want to improve and we are working towards that, but it's a slow process. It is a big problem that will take some time to fix."
Ms Mills said the public was beginning to understand the importance of clean air.
"When we first started talking about national air standards, some people were concerned about the impacts they might have. Now, people realise it is something that we do need to work on. Poor air quality can lower quality of life."
However, for 2010, the worst is almost over.
"I expect by mid-August we will have turned the corner."
