A parliamentary question regarding the health risks associated with air quality, specifically dust exposure, in the Mandogalup area near Alcoa's Kwinana industrial operations. The question seeks reports on health risks, clarification on independent assessments, and an updated list of potential health risks.

AnsweredQoN 661Legislative Council
Asked
30 June 2016
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

KWINANA INDUSTRIAL AIR BUFFER ZONE — ALCOA
OPERATIONS
661. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to question 4843 asked on 18
October 2011.
(1) Will the
minister please table any reports that show that air quality in the Mandogalup
area poses a risk to health?
(2) Given that
the department confirmed it would not carry out independent assessments of
Alcoa's activities to monitor any potential impact on health into the
future, has this position changed?
(3) Please
provide an updated list of the potential health risks to residents within the
proposed western trade coast protection area.

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question.
(1) Air quality
modelling of total particulates in the airshed was undertaken by the
environmental consulting company GHD, and assessed and reviewed by the then
Department of Environment and Conservation in 2009.
(2) No. I am
advised that the Minister for State Development has asked the Minister for
Environment to seek advice from the Environmental Protection Authority to
provide government with independent environmental advice.
(3) Health risks
for the area are those normally associated with exposure to dust. Some
individuals, particularly those with asthma or pre-existing respiratory
conditions, may be adversely affected by dust, although others will not be
affected despite living in the same area for many years.

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