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Lungnet Information Seminar 2002
- When: Saturday, 19th October 2002, 11am - 2 pm
- Where: Level 2 lecture theatre, Launceston General Hospital
- Topics:
- Emphysema & Lung Reduction Surgery
-
Important Issues for Carers
For more more information, contact the LungNet groups or James Markos via
LGH switchboard 6348 7111
Wood Smoke Update
There are an estimated 14,000 wood heaters in the Tamar Valley, in which
Launceston is situated. The particle pollution levels (called PM10) were very high
up to 1991. Maximum levels of PM10 were up to 240 units (micrograms per cubic
metre) in 1991, compared with the current recommended “safe” maximum of 50
units (National Environment Protection Measure). Up to about 1997 we had about
50 days per year when the daily PM10 values were above 50 units. Since 2000,
the levels have fallen to a maximum of 100 units per day and the number of “high”
days has fallen below 30. The target is to reduce the number of “high” days to 5
or less per year. The Tasmanian Government has undertaken to achieve this by
2008.
The factors which have helped so far include:
- A community awareness after the Launceston Wood Smoke Study of 1991-93.
- The NEPM standards introduced in 1995 and adopted by Tas Govt in 1998.
- The work of The Australian Lung Foundation, Tas Branch, to inform the
community via seminars, letters to newspapers & leaflets dropped in mailboxes
(15,000 delivered in Launceston in 1999).
- The work of our local electricity supplier, Aurora Energy (with special thanks to
Rod Taylor, Marketing Manager) via TV advertisements and support for the
work of the ALF and Asthma Tasmania. The number of households using
electricity as the primary source of heating increased from about 27% in 1992
to 42% in 2000.
- New draft legislation by Tas Govt in 2001 for a comprehensive Air Quality
policy
- The Launceston Wood Heater Replacement scheme, introduced
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