Indoor air a public health priority, inquiry finds
A NSW parliamentary inquiry into clean indoor air has handed down its final report today, calling for state and national action, including a dedicated minister and an advisory council to lead and deliver an indoor air quality strategy.
Inquiry chair and Greens spokesperson for Health Dr Amanda Cohn said it was “astonishing” that the quality of the air we breathe indoors has been largely unmeasured and unregulated for so long.
“Australians spend the majority of their time indoors. The quality of the air we breathe has a huge impact on our physical and mental health, our ability to focus and learn, and workplace safety and productivity,” Dr Cohn said.
The report made 38 recommendations that call for regulating indoor air quality in public schools, public hospitals, public transport, and public housing. It also recommended a range of measures to improve air quality in rental properties, particularly related to mould risk.
“During the inquiry, we heard devastating stories from people impacted by poor air, including people living with chronic medical conditions or disability, and their families. We heard about the challenges some people face just going about their day-to-day lives, like kids who have to wear masks to school because the air is so low quality in their classroom, and renters who have developed respiratory issues from mould in their homes.”
Dr Amanda Cohn said the Greens would push for the recommendations to be implemented, and to go even further.
“The inquiry heard evidence that was excluded from the final recommendations, including on the significant health harms of gas appliances and wood heaters, and the impact of second hand smoke on staff and patrons at hospitality venues, including at Star and Crown Casinos,” she said.
“It is a clear demonstration of the enduring power of the gas, tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries that important reforms were excluded from this report entirely by Liberal, National and Labor MPs voting together to take these recommendations out of the final report,” Dr Cohn said.
Media Contact: Kate Dorrell [email protected]