Emissions inventories and air pollution monitoring data indicate that smoke from woodheaters is a major source of fine particles and other air toxics in many parts of Australia including the Hunter.  The recent Senate enquiry noted that tackling woodsmoke would achieve 66% of the benefits for just 1% of the costs of meeting air quality standards.  Shouldn't addressing this preventable health issue be a No 1 priority?

Given the health damage caused by PM10 and PM 2.5s, is it satisfactory for our leaders to aim for only a small reduction to exposure, such as 10% or 20%? Should some sources of particles such as the burning of wood for heating/BBQs, be phased out altogether?

What is a realistic estimate of the number of deaths and illnesses caused by pollution every year in Newcastle and the Hunter?

I would like to hear the expert's opinion on the health importance of particles in the 2.5 to 10 micron range. Is it justified for a health impact assessment to consider only PM 2.5 and ignore PM10 as was done for the Wallarah 2 mine proposal?