Position papers
CAR works to translate our research into policy outcomes. Part of this process is producing position papers about topical issues regarding the health impacts of air pollution and energy transitions.
The health impacts of gas use & extraction
20 May 2022
Many Australian homes use gas for cooking or heating and gas extraction has increased in recent decades. But what health impacts do these activities have? And what should governments be doing ensure people are safe? Find out in our latest policy statement
Reducing the health impacts of wood heaters in Australia
9 August 2021
Wood heater smoke significantly contributes to air pollution in Australia, impacting the health of many Australians.
Current approaches to mitigate the risk that wood heater smoke poses to human health are inadequate. In this new position paper from CAR, several policy options are proposed to help reduce wood heater smoke to protect the health of vulnerable Australians. Professor Fay Johnston, from the University of Tasmania's Menzies Institute for Medical Research, led the development of the paper and said, "It's time to put in place measures to address the problem."
Read the media release
There is no 'safe' level of air pollution. Implications for Australian policy.
23 March 2021
Growing evidence outlined in a newly published position statement from CAR, and led by Professor Graeme Zosky from the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, shows that even very low levels of air pollution are harmful to our health.
Professor Zosky said this finding has important implications for how air pollution is regulated in Australia. “It has been firmly established that increases in air pollution are harmful to our health.”
See latest review published in the MJA
To accompany CAR's position paper on "no 'safe' level of air pollution", CAR researchers have developed a brief that identifies potential alternatives for the current National Environmental Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measures (AAQ NEPM). The proposal suggests a continuous reduction approach as opposed to a thresholds-based approach to air pollution reduction, to better protect the health of all Australians.
Read the CAR brief on an alternative model for the AAQ NEPM
Nationally consistent air quality reporting position paper
08 Sep 2020
How should Australia's reporting of air quality improve? We've just released our position paper for technical audiences outlining our approach to achieving nationally consistent air quality reporting and health messaging. With the latest bushfire summer, there has never been a better time to look at how states report on air quality.
