"There's really strong evidence for the effects on the cardiovascular system and those effects manifest themselves in an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke primarily."

Cowie emphasised that Sydney is experiencing relatively short periods of hazardous air quality, compared to a number of metropolises which experience the year-round effects of air pollution.

Unaccustomed to the poor air conditions, some Sydneysiders took to fashioning facemasks out of scarves and other items of clothing, while schools cancelled outdoor sporting events to avoid any unnecessary risk.

As of midday on Tuesday there were 116 bush and grass fires burning across NSW - 56 of which were not contained - and over 2,000 fire-fighting personnel were working in the field with the help of support aircraft.

So far the fires have claimed the lives of six people this season and destroyed roughly 670 homes and 1,400 structures.

Sydney's smoky conditions are expected to persist at least until the end of the week when onshore winds may develop to help clear the air, particularly near the coast.

【国际英语资讯:Smoke-filled skies become new normal for Sydney】相关文章：

★ 美国市政债面临重大评级下调风险

★ 研究:发短信时爱撒谎 视频聊天更可信（双语）

★ 民众提前45小时排队买奥运门票

★ 菲律宾支持日本重整军备

★ 王家卫电影《一代宗师》终于上映

★ 英美身份认同的差异

★ 中兴通讯盈利预警 股价大跌17%

★ 巴菲特向瑞士再保险索赔10亿美元

★ 英国应重写资讯自由

★ 安倍晋三派特使赴韩会晤朴槿惠