Carbon monoxide concentrations
Key Finding
Carbon monoxide levels have continued to decline over the past decade, with levels in the last 6 years less than 20% of the National Environmental Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure air quality standard of 9ppm.
Carbon monoxide is formed through incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon.
Carbon monoxide monitoring takes place in Queensland at:
- 2 locations adjacent to major roads in South East Queensland
- 3 locations in coal seam gas production areas in South West Queensland
- 1 location next to industry in Gladstone.
Maximum 8-hour average concentrations have declined by 60% or more over the past decade. Current levels are now less than 20% of the Ambient Air Quality NEPM air quality standard of 9ppm.
In urban areas, motor vehicles are the largest producer of carbon monoxide. Despite more vehicles on the road, emission controls such as catalytic converters have helped significantly reduce carbon monoxide emissions, and corresponding levels in the air, in recent years.
More information:
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets
Download data from Queensland Government data
Metadata
Trends in number of exceedances of National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM) Air Quality Standards for carbon monoxide concentrations by airshed for 2000–2019.