Blog post authored by: Lucy Lavery Healthy Futures Intern 2024 (Bach of Applied Public Health)
Understanding Asthma: Causes, Climate Change & Economic Burden
Asthma affects millions worldwide. It is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Asthma often starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood, significantly impacting quality of life and overall health.
Beyond its direct medical implications, asthma is also influenced by environmental factors—factors now being shaped by much larger forces, such as climate change and industrial pollution. These forces are making it harder for individuals, particularly those living in regions like the Hunter Valley, to manage their condition.
What Causes Asthma?
The exact causes of asthma are complex and come down to a multitude of both genetic and environmental factors. Some triggers include:
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies even, are more likely to develop asthma.
- Allergies: Common allergens like pollen, dust mites, pets and mould can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms.
- Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants like smoke and emissions can provoke problems in the airways.
- Respiratory Infections: Viral infections can increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in early childhood.
- Exercise: Physical activity can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.
While traditional triggers have always been a concern, the growing impact of climate change is now a far more significant threat to people living with asthma.
The Influence of Climate Change on Asthma
Climate change is increasingly influencing the prevalence and severity of asthma. In particular, rising temperatures and extreme changes in weather can provoke asthma in many ways.
- Increased Air Pollution: Warmer temperatures and continued reliance on fossil fuels are leading to higher levels of smog, which aggravate respiratory conditions.
- Pollen Levels: Changes in climate influence pollen seasons and increase the prevalence of pollen.
- Extreme Weather: Extreme weather events like floods, wildfires and extreme winds can worsen air quality and trigger respiratory issues. Smoke from bushfires can impact asthma symptoms and lead to increased hospital visits.
- Humidity: Rising humidity levels can promote mould growth. Mould is another asthma trigger. Additionally to being a trigger, prolonged exposure to mould can lead to chronic respiratory issues.
The link between climate change and asthma is impossible to ignore. But while the health impacts are worsening across the board, certain regions face heightened threats—regions like the Hunter Valley, where coal mining further intensifies the health risks.
The Economic Cost of Asthma in Australia
As the prevalence of asthma increases due to these environmental factors, so does its economic burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.
Asthma is a known economic burden in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the cost of asthma is putting pressure on the healthcare system and society.
- Healthcare Costs: Asthma contributes to thousands of hospitalisations within Australia each year. Staggering costs are associated with emergency visits and hospitalisations, medications and continued outpatient medical care and services.
- Productivity Impacts: Asthma can lead to absenteeism from work and school, resulting in a loss of productivity for individuals. This also can result in a loss of income.
- Economic Costs: In 2020–21, studies found an estimated $851.7 million was spent on the treatment and management of asthma, representing 0.6% of total health system expenditure and 19% of expenditure for all respiratory conditions. (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/asthma)
The Impact of Coal Mining in the Hunter Valley
The proposed expansion of the Hunter Valley Operation, NSW, poses significant concerns for asthma sufferers and nearby communities. Why?
- Increased Air Pollution: We know the expansion of the operation will lead to higher emissions. This will worsen air quality and make it difficult for individuals with asthma to breathe. This will increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, which poses the threat of increased hospitalisations.
- Climate Change Exacerbation: We know that the coal and mining industry plays a significant role in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions which ultimately promotes climate change. Climate change worsens conditions that trigger asthma, leading to more health issues.
- Community Health Risks: Local communities near coal mines often experience increased respiratory issues due to the poor air quality. Studies show that nearby communities to coal mines face elevated levels of asthma, particularly in children. (https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/30/3/556/736930)
- Economic Disparities: The burden of health issues like asthma relating to coal mining can sometimes fall on those in lower socioeconomic areas. Groups may have less access to health and resources to manage asthma effectively, leading to more disproportionate health disparities. The two closest towns to the Hunter Valley operations are Singleton and Muswellbrook. The closest hospitals from HVO in each of these towns are both over a 30-minute drive. This distance poses a threat in the case of a medical emergency relating to an asthma attack.
As climate change continues to alter our environment, it is essential to recognise the impact on respiratory conditions like asthma. The threat to public health and communities in regions like the Hunter Valley does harm health. By addressing challenges posed by climate change and supporting renewable energy, stricter air pollution regulations it will assist in reducing the burden of asthma and improve quality of life.
What is Healthy Futures doing?
Healthy Futures will continue to advocate for the phase-down of all coal and gas mining in Australia. At upcoming NSW Government consultations, Healthy Futures will argue against allowing the HVO expansion.
Healthy Futures is particularly concerned that the EPA has said the expansion would directly emit nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with only under half of that currently allocated to be offset, leaving the other half yet to be abated.
Healthy Futures will be lobbying the state government and relevant regulatory bodies to say no to this new coal expansion and to safeguard against harm from coal mining.