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Calls for action on pollution as emissions double

Emissions of pollutant PM10, linked to respiratory illness, has doubled over the last five years. Photo: Getty
Emissions of pollutant PM10, linked to respiratory illness, has doubled over the last five years. Photo: Getty


Research has highlighted the need for action on emissions in Australia after research revealed a pollutant linked to respiratory illness has doubled over the last five years.

A study of the Australian government’s annual national pollutant inventory, has shown that 435,000 tonnes of a fine particle called PM10 was emitted by coal companies in 2012 to 2013. According to a reports, the increase in PM10 is a result of mining activity, along with increases in lead, arsenic and fluoride emissions over the last five years.

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The health effects from exposure to PM10 – released from soot and smoke - include asthma, bronchitis and heart disease, leading health groups to call for immediate action on emissions caused by the mining industry.

“Every tonne of pollutant you reduce, there are clear health benefits, as has been shown by many studies around the world,” Nicole Rivers, director of advocacy and research at Environmental Justice Australia told The Guardian. “We need national clean air laws as the current standards are clearly failing. We need binding national laws requiring these coal companies to emit less.”

It’s not the first time pollutants have been linked to ongoing health problems. Last month a study from Germany found that traffic-related air pollutants can amplify the symptoms of allergies, while researchers from the US found that common pollutants can impair cognitive and behavioural development in children.

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According to a spokesperson for federal environment minister Greg Hunt, the government is working towards a national clean air agreement with state governments.

“Air quality in Australia is good by world standards but it could be better,” the spokesperson said. “And over the coming decades as the population grows, we need to make sure air quality improves.”