Shipping may produce 30 per cent of all nitrogen oxide and 20 per cent of total sulphur emissions in Australia, a study suggests.

“These [non-greenhouse gases] produce photochemical smog and airborne particulates that can contribute to health issues,” says study lead author Dr Laurie Goldsworthy from the Australian Maritime College.

“There are pulmonary and cardiovascular concerns and they also change atmospheric chemical processes causing things like acid rain.

“Ports in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are located where seasonally-prevailling onshore winds dominate and pollutants from shipping are carried into the air-sheds of these major urban population centres.

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