Australia is often celebrated for its fresh air, vast open spaces, and natural beauty — and according to a recent global study, three of our cities rank among the cleanest in the world.
While Hobart, Darwin and Canberra top the charts for outdoor air quality, the air you breathe indoors — in your home, workplace, or child’s classroom — might be telling a different story.
Outdoor air quality: a win for Australia
A report by Auto Trader analysing air pollution levels in nearly 400 cities worldwide placed Hobart in third place globally for clean air, closely followed by Darwin and Canberra. These results are encouraging, especially when compared to major international cities like London, New Delhi, and Shanghai.
However, not every Australian city fared as well. Sydney ranked 150th, with experts citing traffic, population density, and industrial activity as key contributors to its poorer air quality.
It’s also important to note that some experts challenge the validity of the study. Professor Gavin Pereira, an environmental epidemiologist at Curtin University, believes that the ranking was "fundamentally flawed, even if the calculations are correct".
The surprising truth: indoor air can be worse
Even if your city boasts clean outdoor air, the air you breathe indoors may not be nearly as healthy. In fact, many Australians spend up to 90% of their time indoors — at home, in the office, or at school — where pollutants can accumulate in far greater concentrations.
Indoor air pollution sources include:
- Dust, mould spores, and pet dander
- Cooking fumes and tobacco smoke
- Chemicals from cleaning products and furnishings
- Poor ventilation, especially in winter
And when windows are shut against the cold or heat, those pollutants have nowhere to go.
In fact, a recent study highlighted that Australian classrooms have poorer air quality protections than pet shelters and greenhouses — with students breathing in a cocktail of carbon dioxide, PM2.5 particles, and airborne pathogens.
READ MORE: Are kids breathing safe air in Australian schools?
Why indoor air quality matters
Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution has been linked to:
- Asthma and allergy flare-ups
- Chronic fatigue and headaches
- Respiratory infections
- Long-term heart and lung health risks
And because indoor air often has no breeze or filtration to disperse pollutants, the risks build up quickly — especially in winter when heating and insulation are prioritised over airflow.
How to improve the air you breathe
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air — no matter where you live:
- Use HEPA air purifiers like the Ionmax+ AIRE to trap fine particles, allergens, and pollutants.
- Monitor indoor air with devices like the Ionmax Q10 to track humidity and PM2.5 levels.
- Open windows strategically, during low-pollution hours or when the outdoor air is clear.
- Avoid indoor pollution sources like candles, incense, or unflued gas heaters.
- Clean and replace filters regularly to keep your purifier running effectively.
Clean air starts at home
Clean outdoor air is worth celebrating — and Australia has every reason to be proud of its rankings. But indoor air quality remains one of the most overlooked public health issues.
Whether you're in Hobart or Sydney, Darwin or Melbourne, the most important air is the one you're breathing right now. Take control of your environment, and make your home, classroom, or office a cleaner, healthier place to be.
Explore our full range of Ionmax air purifiers to get started.
