NSW: Coal Dust Pollution misery

The health impacts of coalmining on Upper Hunter residents had probably been significantly underestimated, a new report based on studies of coalmining communities around the world has found.

The report, released today, coincides with the latest state government data showing Upper Hunter air quality has deteriorated dramatically over the past five years.

Air quality in most other parts of the state has improved in the same period.

dusty Hunter region

The Health and Social Harms of Coalmining in Local Communities report: Spotlight on the Hunter Region report analysed 50 peer-reviewed papers about the health impacts of mining in 10 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Israel and China.

It found recurring adverse health problems in coalmining communities including increased rates of cancer, heart, lung and kidney disease and birth defects.

Lead author Associate Professor Ruth Colagiuri from the University of Sydney’s Health and Sustainability Unit said that while several studies examined the social harms of coalmining in the Hunter, relatively little research had been done into the health effects of mining and coal-fired power stations in the region.

‘‘Local research evidence about the impact of emissions from coalmines and power stations in the Hunter Region is urgently needed so that governments and community can make informed decisions and develop policies to minimise health harms,’’ she said.

The Beyond Zero Emissions environment group commissioned the study in response to growing community concern about the health impacts of coalmining and power production in the Upper Hunter.

‘‘The Hunter Valley has the highest concentration of coalmines and power stations in Australia,” group spokesman Mark Ogge said.

‘‘With plans for 30 new or bigger coalmines, an independent authority is urgently needed to monitor emissions in the region and for an in-depth health study to take place.’’

The group has also called for the introduction of 10-kilometre buffer zones around new coalmines and port facilities until independent studies into the health effects of mining and coal transport have been done.

The concerns are reinforced by the Environment Protection Authority’s NSW Air Emissions Inventory, which assessed 850 air pollutants in the greater metropolitan regions of Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle, including dust emissions from mines.

It found dust emissions containing particles equivalent to 10 microns (PM10) had increased in the Hunter from 40,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes, or 50per cent, between 2003 and 2008.

Industrial pollution in other areas, including Sydney, had steadily declined in the same period.

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