Residents likened it to a scene from a Hollywood disaster movie and paramedics were called to help 469 patients suffering from breathing problems.

218 patients were from Sydney, where levels of particulate matter carried by the dust storm peaked at more than 15,500 micrograms per cubic metre of air (mcg/m3). According to the local government’s air quality index, 200 mcg/m3 of air is ranked as hazardous to human health. This suggests that pollution yesterday was 70 times higher than that dubbed hazardous.

Doctors warned people with asthma, heart and lung diseases to stay indoors. Even though the dust began to disperse last night in Sydney, particulate readings were still more than 3000 mcg/m3. Experts warn that levels will remain hazardous today.

For the full story please go to: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26117126-23289,00.html