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Whyalla Health Impact Study |
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A Whyalla Health Impact Study has been undertaken in response to community concerns about possible health effects of red dust from the nearby steelworks. The Health Impact Study was undertaken using available data sources from the SA Department of Health. The study found that there are higher than expected numbers of lung cancers and higher than expected hospital admission rates for diseases like emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and asthma as well as diseases of the liver such as chronic hepatitis. The study was inconclusive about the cause of these higher numbers. A link to red dust emitted from the steelworks could not be demonstrated or ruled out. The analysis did not find higher rates in areas of the city closer to the pellet plant -- those areas most affected by the dust. The cause may never be known. However, it is important that there are adequate health services available for the people of Whyalla and surrounding areas. The SA Health Department will undertake a Health Monitoring Survey to monitor the health of the community This will help the Department understand why there are higher than expected health problems in Whyalla, and will give us a more detailed picture about the health service needs of the community in the future. Country Health SA is developing a Health Plan for country services including Whyalla, and will use the available data to help identify the health service needs of the Whyalla community and ensure that appropriate prevention and treatment services are in place. |
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