26 April, 2007: Australia is conducting its first-ever nationwide study of child health in relation to air quality.

Primary school children aged between 7 and 11 years, living in ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales will participate in the research study.

Professor Guy Marks, Chief Investigator and Head of Epidemiology group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, says the goal of the Australian Child Health and Air Pollution study is to get a better understanding of the effect of air pollution on breathing problems, asthma and allergies in Australian children.

Air pollution is an important public health issue and this study will help the authorities identify how the levels of air pollution in Australian cities influence the respiratory health of children.

Details of Australia’s air quality standards are at present based on data derived from overseas. The proposed study will show if these standards adequately protect the health of Australian children, according to Professor Guy Marks.

The results of the study are expected to yield a wealth of information that can be used to shape Australia’s future policies on air quality.
Each child will undergo some simple breathing tests and an allergy test. Parents will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about the child’s health and home environment. Test results for each child will be available on the day of testing.

The information gathered by the study, commissioned by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council, will be used to set better air quality standard and to manage pollution in Australia.
The study is funded by the Australian Research Council and the Environment Protection and Heritage Council.