Coal mine fire raises air pollution worries

A coal mine fire in the Victorian town of Morwell, Australia has been burning for three weeks, causing extremely low levels of air quality. The Hazelwood mine has continued to burn despite efforts from the government to douse the flames. 

Two separate coal faces at the mine's disused open cut site are burning, producing heavy levels of smoke and prompting health concerns.

Last weekend (February 22nd and 23rd) saw the Environmental Protection Authority's air quality index in Morwell East hit 459. Although pollution levels dipped slightly, they still exceeded 200 on Monday (February 24th). Air quality readings of 150 and over are classed as "very poor" and are the worst reading on the scale. 

There are fears that the high levels of smoke and particulate pollution - as well as carbon monoxide that is being produced at one of the coal faces - could be damaging for the health of local residents. Those that are classed as being at risk - children, the elderly and those that suffer from heart conditions or respiratory illnesses - are being warned of the danger created by the high level of air pollution in the area.

Residents are being advised to remain indoors as much as possible and, if able to, lessen exposure to the poor air quality by taking day trips out of the area or going to spend time with family or friends away from the town. However, the situation has still only been classed as a short-term incident - despite the fire burning for three weeks - and so an evacuation plan has not been declared for the 13,000 residents.

Face masks are being distributed in the area in an attempt to filter out smoke and ash from the air they breathe. Around 25,000 face masks have been given to those in Morwell and the neighbouring town of Traralgon. A worst case scenario evacuation plan has also been drawn up in case the situation worsens.

Firefighters in the area that have a history of cardiovascular problems, are heavy smokers or are pregnant have been told they won't be deployed due to the increase in risk for their health, according to documents from the Fire Services Commissioner obtained by Fairfax Media.