The aim of the Respiratory Stream was 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 was 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 conducted in 2023.

The following video clip is an excerpt from the 2023 Annual Community Briefing providing an update on 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.

Study Findings                                                      

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