Research Questions

The study research questions were developed by the Department of Health in discussion with the study team, and are based upon the community consultations which were held in Morwell in May 2014.

These core research questions are:

  1. Is there evidence that people in general, and susceptible sub-populations in particular, who were heavily exposed to emissions from the Hazelwood fire, compared with otherwise similar people who were minimally exposed to emissions from the fire:
    1. currently have clinical or sub-clinical cardiovascular or, respiratory conditions that could be associated with clinically important adverse health consequences in the future?
    2. over time develop clinical or sub-clinical cardiovascular or respiratory conditions that could be associated with clinically important adverse health consequences in the future?
  2. Is there evidence of any difference in birth weight of babies born to mothers heavily exposed to emissions from the Hazelwood fire, compared to babies born to otherwise similar mothers who were minimally exposed to emissions from the fire?
  3. Is there evidence of any difference in the health and development of children heavily exposed to emissions from the Hazelwood fire, compared to children who were minimally exposed to emissions from the fire?
  4. Is there evidence that people in general and susceptible sub-populations in particular (including children) who were heavily exposed to emissions from the Hazelwood fire, compared with otherwise similar people who were minimally exposed to emissions from the fire, have a higher prevalence and persistence of psychological distress?
  5. What sociodemographic factors and exposure levels are associated with higher levels and persistence of psychological distress?
  6. Is there evidence that people who were heavily exposed to emissions from the Hazelwood fire, compared with otherwise similar people who were minimally exposed to emissions from the fire, have a higher incidence of malignant disease over a prolonged period of follow-up?

In addition to these core research questions, a number of additional questions are being considered including the educational impacts of exposure to the mine fire, the relationship between child and family wellbeing, and the impacts of factors, such smoke from the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires, COVID-19 and eating habits, on longer-term respiratory health.

Our Partners

Acknowledgement to Country

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders and Traditional Owners of the land where our Study teams are based, particularly the Gunaikurnai peoples of Gippsland.