[Greens-Media] Govt must cut mine coal dust dubbed the 'new asbestos'

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 11 July 2007

Govt must cut mine coal dust dubbed the 'new asbestos' 

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the Iemma
government must act quickly to reduce the dangerous health impacts of
fine particles in dust from Hunter coalmines by establishing a new EPA
office in the Upper Hunter, publishing meaningful standards and
conducting further research. 

"The increase in fine dust particles in the Hunter Valley from coal
dust is occurring at a time when its link to human mortality and
respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity is becoming increasingly
clear," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The government cannot underplay the life-threatening character of
these super small particles. Dust laden with these particles will only
increase with more and bigger mines waiting in the wings. 

"Ultra fine particles, particularly those measuring less than 0.1mm in
diameter, are considered most dangerous in the long term.

"The government has failed to establish suitable reporting standards
for fine particles or commission health studies to better understand
their impacts. 

"This is despite the fact international studies and even the NSW
Department of Environment and Conservation acknowledge fine particles as
a health risk.

"Hunter coal mines are operated under conditions of consent governing
dust that are riddled with loopholes and difficult to enforce. 

"The closure of the NSW Environmental Protection Agency office in the
Upper Hunter has diminished the possibility of effective action being
taken.

"The government should set up an EPA office in the Upper Hunter and
commit more staff to monitoring the problem. 

"In 2006 a NSW parliamentary inquiry looked at the health impacts of
Sydney's air pollution.  It recommended the government undertake
research into the health affects of fine and ultra fine particles and
take immediate action to reduce them. 

"While the NSW government rides on the back of a burgeoning coal
industry there is a silent but deadly health risk being created that
cannot be ignored," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  
Lee Rhiannon – 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au