Sources of pollution

The main sources of air pollution within the Auckland region are:

• motor vehicles
• domestic fires
• industry
• spray drift
• outdoor burning.

The amount of pollution in the air depends on the amount of pollution produced, and the rate that the pollution disperses.

The worst pollution usually occurs on calm days, and during cold winter days when contaminants are trapped close to the ground by an inversion layer.

Air pollution levels are also affected by topography. For instance, in the CBD, pollutants aren't blown away as easily because of the high buildings.

View TP292 Auckland Air Emissions Inventory, which quantifies where Auckland's pollution is coming from.