The Latrobe ELF Study was part of the Hazelwood Health Study and was the first of its kind to follow the wellbeing of children, following a severe smoke episode. The study aimed to explore whether smoke during the 2014 Hazelwood mine fire affected the health and development of babies and children in any way in the years following the fire.
In particular the study looked at the impact of smoke exposure on birth outcomes such as birthweight and maturity, the occurrence of minor common illnesses such as sore ears and common colds, as well as early lung, heart and blood vessel function and development. Information gathered from the study will assist communities and governments to respond to similar events from bushfires or other fires in the future.
The following video clip is an excerpt from the 2023 Annual Community Briefing providing an update on the Early Life Follow-up Stream.
You can also view previous research updates from the Latrobe Early Life Follow-Up Stream here:
2022 Latrobe Early Life Followup stream - Update
2021 Latrobe Early Life Followup stream - Update
ELF Clinical Assessments
Clinics were held at the Latrobe Community Health Service in Morwell in 2017. A total of 254 children were seen at the clinics, where they underwent ultrasound testing of blood vessels and simple lung function testing (only in those aged more than 3 years). These tests, analysed together with answers to questions on areas such as the child’s whereabouts during the fire, helped to determine whether exposure to more mine fire smoke could have influenced blood vessel health or lung function. The second round of clinical testing took place in 2021 where 167 children came to our clinic at Federation University Churchill. To get back on the “3-year cycle” (2020 clinics were delayed until 2021 because of COVID-19). The third round of clinical assessments was completed in late 2023, with 174 participants attending the clinic at sites in Morwell and at Federation University Churchill.
A young Hazelwood Health Study participant undergoing "FOT" testing
A young Hazelwood Health Study participant undergoing Ultrasound testing
Families enrolled in the ELF study had the opportunity to attend three annual “Thank You” events at Tribes Playcentre in Morwell, where they were treated to a free afternoon of fun, refreshments and entertainment!
