A study led by Deakin University has identified significantly higher rates of childhood asthma-related emergency department visits in three local government areas in Melbourne's inner west compared to the state average. Analyzing 12 years of public hospital data and surveying over 500 parents, the research highlights a consistent pattern of elevated emergency presentations, though authors caution against attributing the findings to any single cause.
Key Findings
Based on Victorian public hospital data from 2007 to 2019, the study found that asthma-related emergency department visits in the local government areas of Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, and Brimbank were between 26% and 53% higher compared to Victoria's overall rate.
- The state average was 92 asthma-related emergency visits per 10,000 children.
- In Brimbank, the rate was 125 per 10,000 children.
- In Hobsons Bay, the rate was 137 per 10,000 children.
- In Maribyrnong, the rate was 144 per 10,000 children.
"Only 59% of surveyed parents had an asthma action plan," the study reported. Researchers also noted that treatment for acute asthma episodes often involves high doses of steroids, Ventolin, and oxygen.
Study Context and Limitations
Melbourne's inner west has been previously identified as an area with higher levels of air pollution and elevated rates of adult hospitalizations for heart and lung diseases. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Yichao Wang, stated that the findings highlight a need to reduce environmental triggers and improve support for asthma care. Co-author Dr. Katherine Chen, a pediatrician at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, noted that children from the inner west consistently presented with breathing difficulties over the 12-year period.
The study acknowledged several limitations:
- It did not include data from private hospitals, potentially leading to an underestimation of total emergency presentations.
- It relied on parent surveys.
- Air pollution was not identified as the sole factor exacerbating asthma.
Local Concerns and Infrastructure Context
Maribyrnong City Council declared a health emergency in 2023 related to air and noise pollution from heavy trucks. Local groups have cited the West Gate Tunnel project's planned ventilation stacks and an increase in data centers with diesel generators as key concerns.
Martin Wurt, president of the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group, described the findings as "alarming" and called for measures including low-emission zones, a truck ban on Williamstown Road, and a clean truck program. Wurt noted that 24-hour truck bans on some local roads following the West Gate Tunnel project have shifted traffic patterns. He warned that Williamstown Road is expected to see a doubling of truck traffic, passing near a school, tennis court, and skate park. He also expressed concern about the West Gate Tunnel's unfiltered ventilation stacks.
Asthma Prevalence
According to the study, Australia has one of the highest asthma rates globally, with approximately 11% of the population (roughly 2.8 million people) affected. Children are considered particularly vulnerable due to faster breathing rates and developing organs.
The Victorian government has been contacted for comment.