The excess number of particulates during milder years - 20 - would be responsible for 11 to 15 deaths in the capital. Their modelling found the higher number of these particulates in the air during cold years – 2017, 20 – would conservatively likely be responsible for 17 to 26 premature deaths in the ACT.

These tiny particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, and long-term exposure can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and it also leads to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer.