December 17, 2006 12:00am
A NEW study has found a strong link between Tamar Valley air pollution and Launceston hospital admissions.
Researchers examined the relationship between levels of particles in the air in the Tamar Valley and respiratory admissions at the Launceston General Hospital between 1992 and 2002.
During this 10 years levels of particulate matter dropped significantly, largely because of a massive reduction in woodheaters in Launceston.
The study found admissions to the LGH for bronchitis and bronchiolitis also dropped significantly over this period.
Led by Tasmanian School of Medicine researcher Desiree Mesaros and Launceston lung specialist James Markos, the study was conducted by the University of Tasmania, the LGH and supported by the Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust.
In recent years, Launceston has recorded some of the highest air pollution levels in Australia. It has also recorded the highest levels of a cancer-causing particle of any city in the nation.
Of particular concern are elevated levels of an air-borne pollutant which is highly carcinogenic and found in coal tar, vehicle exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke and char-grilled food.
Dr Mesaros and Dr Markos will report on the health effects associated with exposure to these compounds in the Launceston region.
Expert estimates are that between eight and 25 people die prematurely each year because of air pollution in the Tamar Valley.
The region's air pollution gained exposure after a landmark study in the early 1990s found it had some of the worst particle pollution in the world.
The pollution problem is compounded by weather patterns which trap smoke, dust and chemical particles in the valley.
Particle levels in Launceston last winter met national health guidelines for the first time since records were kept in the early 1990s.
Findings of the Tamar Valley study will be presented to an international audience at the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand conference in March.
