Researchers looking into the effects of a 2014 mine fire in regional Victoria found increased death rates in the local community but discovered no increase in the risk of death from lung conditions.
The Hazelwood Health Study found during the first 30 days of the mine fire period, from February 9 to March 10, there were about 11 extra deaths from injury in smoke-affected local communities. The study found that during the following six months, there were about 26 extra deaths from heart conditions in the Latrobe Valley town of Morwell.
"This highlights the need for close surveillance of the health of smoke exposed populations for many months after a smoke event," investigator Professor Malcolm Sim said.
While there was no increase in lung-related deaths, Prof Sim said previous research had shown an increase in local respiratory problems because of smoke from the fire.
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