Respiratory Stream

The aim of the Respiratory Stream is to determine whether exposure to smoke from the Hazelwood coal mine fire is associated with:

  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Asthma control
  • Decline in lung function

Information collected during the initial Adult Survey was used to identify the ‘sub-cohort’ for the Respiratory sub-study. The main comparison will be between those who were heavily exposed to smoke from the Hazelwood coal mine fire and those who were minimally exposed to smoke.

Recruitment into the first round of the Respiratory Stream took place in 2017-2018. The second round of Respiratory Stream assessments were undertaken during mid to late 2021, with a third round planned for 2023.

The following video clip is an excerpt from the 2023 Annual Community Briefing providing an update on the current status and future plans for the Respiratory stream.

You can also view previous research updates from the Adult Respiratory Stream here:

2022 Adult Respiratory Stream - Update

2021 Adult Respiratory Stream - Update

Images and Video from our clinical assessments

One of our study participants undertaking assessment in round 2 of the Respiratory Stream.

Another participant undertaking testing, utilising further scientific equipment during round 2 of the Respiratory Stream assessments.

In this video, respiratory scientist Annie Makar demonstrates the lung function measurement test, one of several undertaken as part of the Respiratory Stream.

More information on the Lung Function Test Result for GPs can be found here, and responses to frequently asked questions are provided here.  A full Respiratory Stream and COVID-19 status update can be found here.

Latest News                                                      

30 January 2018 – Lung study will also guide future Sale health needs
27 February 2018 – Study moves to lungs
3 October 2017 – Hazelwood Health Study lung function tests continue
10 August 2017 – Hazelwood Health Study begins adult lung assessments

Study Findings                                                      

May 2023 - Long-term effects of extreme smoke exposure on vulnerability to COVID-19
September 2020 - The impact of coal mine fire smoke on lung health in adults
September 2020 - Coal mine fire smoke exposure and chronic obstruction of lung airflow in adults
May 2019 - The impact of coal mine fire smoke on asthma

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.