Environmental injustice and air pollution in coal affected communities, Hunter Valley, Australia
Nick Higginbotham1, Sonia Freeman, Linda Connor
1Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Nick.Higginbotham@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract:
The authors describe environmental injustice from air pollution in the Upper Hunter, Australia, and analyse the inaction of state authorities in addressing residents' health concerns. Obstacles blocking a public-requested health study and air monitoring include: the interdependence of state government and corporations in reaping the economic benefits of coal production; lack of political will, regulatory inertia and procedural injustice; and study design and measurement issues. We analyse mining- and coal-related air pollution in a contested socio-political arena, where residents, civil society and local government groups struggle with corporations and state government over the burden of imposed health risk caused by air pollution.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Threats to Biodiversity
Global Climate Change
Acid Mine Drainage
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Other Pulmonary Disorders

