Impact of Air Pollution on Health in Sydney

Environmental Epidemiology

Table of Contents
Research Question.................................................................................................................................2
Search Strategy......................................................................................................................................2
Summary of results of studies found.....................................................................................................4
Biological plausibility...........................................................................................................................6
Gaps in the literature and future research direction...............................................................................6
References.............................................................................................................................................7
1

Research Question
Is air pollution imposing a significant impact on the health of Australian people?
Search Strategy
Air pollution and climate change are correlated to each other because air quality depends on
the weather. It is being predicted that urban development, temperature change, and
population growth has resulted in a decrease in the quality of air in urban areas. In Australia,
the leading causes for declining air quality are dust, fossil fuel industry, pollen, motor vehicle
exhausts and landscape and bush fires (Mortimer, 2018). The emissions from many industrial
facilities and high traffic volumes in the areas have caused adverse health risks. The traffic
pollution has to lead to an increase in respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
effects the neurological, urological and reproductive system. Air pollution has mostly
affected the areas of Western Sydney because air pollution is carried out by the sea breezes. It
is also being determined that poor air quality, extremely hot weather and excess mortality and
morbidity have increased in cities. The incidences of bronchial asthma and allergic
respiratory diseases can be seen more among people in urban areas in comparison to those
who live in rural areas (Flachs, Sørensen, Bønløkke&Brønnum-Hansen, 2013). The research
has depicted links between air pollution and health risks across various demographics. People
living in the coal mining areas of the Hunter Valley are also prone to health risks due to air
pollution. The resident experiences health and social impacts due to open cut coal mines. The
pollution has led to an increasing in the rate of chronic respiratory issues and cancer.
Australia is considered to be the largest exporter coal and constitutes eight highest emissions
of green gasses per capita in the world (Hudak, 2013). The author has clearly depicted the
impact of climatic change and air pollution in Australia. The author has covered the major
aspects but the examination is being carried out within a limited region.
2

Inclusion criteria Exclusion criteria
Children and older people are facing more
problems due to increase in air pollution.
In Australia, the leading causes for declining
air quality are dust, fossil fuel industry,
pollen, motor vehicle exhausts and landscape
and bush fires
People living in the coal mining areas of the
Hunter Valley are also prone to health risks
due to air pollution
The pollution has led to an increasing in the
rate of chronic respiratory issues and cancer.
The resident experiences health and social
impacts due to open cut coal mines.
Australia is considered to be the largest
exporter coal and constitutes eight highest
emissions of green gasses per capita in the
world
The author has depicted that thousands of people in Sydney are exposed to harmful levels of
air pollution. In NSW, air pollution has been increased as fine particles have increased the
annual standards at around 14 locations in the year 2018. The fine particles in air pollution
are damaging most of people's health. It has led to an increase in the number of very common
and serious diseases. The risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and an increase in the change
for underweight babies has also been increased. In Liverpool, the air pollution was 10.1
micrograms per cubic meter of air in 2018 (Clun, 2019). Campbelltown, Parramatta North,
Richmond, and Chullora have also recorded higher than 8μg/m3. Muswellbrook surrounded
by coal-fired power stations and coal mines also depicted 9.2μg/m3. The fine air particles
national standard on an average is not more than 8μg/m3. In Sydney, six sites have crossed
the national air quality standards which consist of Campbelltown, Prospect, Richmond,
Chulllora, Liverpool, and Parramatta. Around NSW, other sites also crossed limits which
3