[Greens-Media] Air Quality in Tunnels study shows M5 East health risks

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
7 November 2008


Air Quality in Tunnels study  shows M5 East health risks

Greens MP and health spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says a new report by the National Health & Medical Research Council on air quality and motorway tunnels shows the M5 East Tunnel is one of the most polluted tunnels in the world. (Page 3, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 November 2008)

Ms Rhiannon is calling on the government to fast track filtration of the M5 East Tunnel to protect the health of both motorists inside the tunnel and residents living near its portals and stack.

"This report clearly illustrates why the NSW government must act to properly filter this toxic tunnel. Failing to do so may seriously compromise the health of motorists and local residents," Ms Rhiannon said.

"This government has long dragged its heels when it comes to filtering the M5 East Tunnel, despite clear evidence that this is the best precautionary measure to adopt to protect motorists and residents from potentially adverse health impacts.

"Premier Rees must also act to adopt the NH&MRC recommendations for the setting of precautionary exposure limits for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matters. 

"While there are gaps in understanding about the health impacts of fine particle pollution, the government should be proactive in protecting the public from material that scientists call the new 'asbestos'.

"The M5 East tunnel has the dubious honour of having some of the highest levels of fine particles, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide of any tunnel in the world.

"The report says congestion elevates risks considerably. The M5 East is a long tunnel which experiences heavy traffic, with over 100,000 vehicles a day and frequent delays.

"These traffic levels are far in excess of its ventilation and traffic design capacity and contribute to an increased potential for harm.

"This study, which involved an extensive literature review, underlines the risks to motorists and nearby residents from the cocktail of pollutants from unfiltered vehicle emissions.

"Health risks include an increased potential for respiratory disease, impaired lung development in children and an increased lifetime risk of cancer," Ms Rhiannon said.

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