[Greens-Media] Hunter health data review reveals a better study needed

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 21 May 2010

Hunter health data review reveals a better study needed

Greens MP and Hunter spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today’s report by
NSW Health analysing existing health data for the Hunter region draws
some worrying conclusions and underlines the need for a comprehensive,
independent population health study and better pollution monitoring
and prosecuting systems for the coal and power industries.

“This report is welcome but tells us what we already know: Hunter
residents suffer higher rates of ill-health in some areas but we
cannot yet link this to the coal and power industries because of
inadequate data,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“Without an accurate picture of the links between health and pollution
levels the Premier is free to keep dawdling and denying there is a
problem.

“What is clear is that the Hunter experiences higher rates of asthma
and respiratory disease, cancer incidence and mortality and death from
cardiovascular disease.

 “The government must quickly move beyond this report to collect the
data that will provide conclusions about the cumulative health impacts
of pollution from coal mining and power stations.

“It is unfair for the government to reap the riches of the coal and
power industries without directing funding to ensure that health risks
are fully understood.

 “Hunter residents, who have shouldered the burden of pollution from
heavy industry for decades, would have a right to feel resentful that
the government has failed to properly monitor pollution levels.

“The report sends Premier Kristina Keneally a message to quickly
initiate a comprehensive independent health study and act to install
comprehensive air quality monitoring systems that measure fine
particles and toxic dust.

“We know the cumulative health impacts of the coal and power
industries is a new area of study and only just beginning to be
understood.

“Missing from this report, which focuses on air pollution, is an
analysis of drinking water from domestic rainwater tanks in coal and
power affected communities.

“The project also fails to examine the impact of noise and vibrations
from mining or potential contamination of the food chain.

 “The Hunter now has six coal fired power stations and has experienced
a six fold increase in open cut coal mining over three decades.  The
impact of this on residents’ health deserves thorough examination,” Ms
Rhiannon said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon  9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Visit Lee’s Coal Health Study Now! Site:
http://coalhealthstudynow.wordpress.com/