Issue 5 Page 5

There is still a long way to go to reduce the particle pollution and to improve health outcomes. It is likely that the PM10 levels will fall below 50 units by 2008. However, the health studies show no threshold safe level above the summer values of 20 units or less. In the submission to the NEPM in 1995, the ALF recommended a PM10 NEPM standard of 30 units. In addition, there is increasing evidence of long-term health effects from particle pollution such as lung cancer. Tobacco smoking is by far the major cause of lung cancer in our population (about 90% of cases are attributable to this). However, the contribution from wood smoke will become more important as the number of smokers diminishes in the population and as the concern about environmental tobacco smoke increases. There is no room for complacency. James Markos

A man wanted to swim across the river mouth. “Where are all the crocodiles?”, he asked his friend. “There aren’t any anymore”, said his friend. So the man started swimming, when he was half way across he asked, “What happened to them?”. “They were eaten by the sharks.” said his friend.

Issue 5 Page 5