M5 East Tunnels - Health Warnings (draft) December 2003

In the interests of public health and safety, RAPS presents this information; someone has to!  We await the RTA to advise motorists

In July 2003 NSW Health told the RTA that they should warn people about closing their windows & vents before going into the tunnel.  Also they wanted the RTA to warn people who had asthma not to use the tunnel. This was the advice NSW Health prepared:
 

NSW Health advice for people with asthma using road tunnels:

Motor vehicles produce several gases in their exhaust.

Some people with asthma are particularly sensitive to these gases.

Recent testing of gas levels in the M5 tunnel by NSW Health has found levels of some gases similar to those previously shown to make people with asthma more sensitive to triggers, such as pollens. The effects of this kind of gas exposure seem to last for at least 24 hours, and may be greater if frequent exposures occur.

NSW Health is working with other agencies to better understand the how the levels of gases in the tunnel vary during incidents, and if any further measures need to be taken to control gases.

NSW Health advise that it is best to close your vehicle cabin prior to entering a road tunnel - by this we mean to close the windows and vents. This is very protective against exposure to the gases, and works whether or not the a/c (air conditioning) fan is on.

For people with asthma who are not able to close their vehicle cabin (an old car, or motorcyclist), our current advice is to avoid using road tunnels when transits are likely to be prolonged - in excess of 15 minutes - The RTA is providing signageto advise motorists when long transits are expected. This advice may be modified in light of ongoing investigations in NSW and internationally.

Contact: Vicky Sheppeard 98160256

December 2003.

You may also contact Asthma NSW for more information.

The following was presented on 10 December 2003 to an 'Interagency meeting', in the first draft of a proposed brochure:

Do you have asthma?

Some people with asthma are particularly sensitive to air pollution. Closing the cabin should reduce any exposure in peak periods on the road network to vehicle emissions. If you can't close your cabin or if you ride a motorcycle, and you would like more information on the effects of air pollution on asthma, contact NSW Health on 9816 0234 or Asthma NSW

Related:

• 31Jul2003: M5 East Tunnels Air Quality Monitoring Project Report July 2003
• 20Nov2003: NSW Greens propose health sign due to RTA inaction

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