At an Otago Regional Council meeting this week councillors discussed a report outlining what effect newer measurements would have on the ability of Otago towns to meet clear air standards.
The council now measures all particles with a diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10).
It is considering measuring just particles less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), which are more associated with negative effects on human health.
The stricter guidelines associated with these measurements would more than double the instances of minimum air quality being exceeded for some pollution-prone towns.
For example, based on an average of the last three years, it would increase the annual number of days limits were exceeded in Alexandra from 36 to 89 and in Arrowtown from 36 to 69.
Council environmental scientist Deborah Mills told the meeting on top of this, none of the analysis took proposed new developments into consideration, of which there were many in the Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes districts.
"New developments will need a different look and a different heating component could be looked at for those houses."
While new-generation burners were slowly being introduced, the council would be unlikely to meet standards for pollution-prone towns anytime soon, she said.
Cr Bryan Scott said the council should "get on with" introducing the new standards.
"PM2.5 is more aligned with human health. Regardless, a similar type of effort is required. We do have a rule so let’s make sure it’s being enforced."
Cr Michael Laws said whatever burners were introduced, it would not change the air quality, because of the geology the areas.
"The key here is that we want our people to be healthy. Nothing will make you more unhealthy than being cold."
He reiterated comments he made in the past, that there was no evidence poor air quality was negatively impacting the health of the people of Central Otago.
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead said it was his understanding the health impacts of poor air quality were "well known".
"PM2.5 makes the hill a bit higher and a bit steeper."
