The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) may take on a bigger role to support more sampling and characterisation of air pollution following a NSW Parliamentary Enquiry.
The Enquiry, Health impacts of exposure to poor levels of air quality resulting from bushfires and drought, published its Report which includes a number of recommendations relating to ANSTO, one of the organisations that provided scientific evidence relating to air quality in NSW.
ANSTO said the Report made reference to its written evidence as well as expert testimony by Distinguished Research Scientist at ANSTO, David Cohen and Head of Research, Suzanne Hollins in relation to enhanced air sampling.
“ANSTO may have opportunity to build on its current activities in this area, as outlined in the Report, should the response from the NSW Government (due in March 2021) respond positively to the Committee’s recommendation,” ANSTO said in a statement.
“In recommending that the NSW Government continue to expand its Air Monitoring Network the Committee acknowledged ANSTO’s work in differentiating between different sources of pollution through its national and international air sampling program (ASP),” it said.
“[The Report] proposed that the NSW Government work with ANSTO to support more State-wide sampling and characterisation of air pollution.”
ANSTO said the Report made a specific recommendation that the NSW Government work with it to expand the sampling of particulate matter in the air State-wide
“The Report highlighted increased support for data collection and research into air quality and the health effects associated with poor air quality,” it said.
