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In the news January 2006

CHLORINE LINKED TO ASTHMA EPIDEMIC AMONG CHILDREN
Guy Marks, Woolcock Institute
Source: Sun Herald, 29 January 2006
An international expert on toxic substances has revealed disturbing new evidence that suggests indoor chlorinated swimming pools could be contributing to the worldwide asthma epidemic. A Belgian study has found that children who swim in heavily chlorinated pools from a young age are at a significantly higher risk of developing asthma and chronic lung problems.

EASY, CHEAP OPTION A WINNER IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Mark Elkins, Woolcock Institute
Source: Medical Observer, 27 January 2006
A simple and inexpensive treatment effectively improves the quality of life in cystic fibrosis patients, an Australian study shows. Hypertonic saline solution, given through a nebuliser and preceded by a bronchodilator, has been shown to significantly reduce exacerbations and improve airway clearance in both children and adults with the disease.

REVEALED: MOST DEADLY ROADS
Mark Stephenson, George Institute of International Health
Source: Daily Telegraph, 25 January 2006
The stretch of road between Lithgow and Katoomba is rated as the worst in Australia, contrary to popular belief that the Pacific Highway is the killer strip. It claimed 57 lives in the fiveyear period from 1998 until 2003.

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO SICKLINESS
Professor Barbara Fazekas, Centenary Institute
Source: Sunday Territorian, 1 January 2006
Australian researchers have developed a test they believe may help them explain why people living in clean environments are more susceptible to auto-immune diseases and allergies. Barbara Fazekas, of Sydney's Centenary Institute, and colleagues, have designed a blood test which detects the number of regulatory T-cells in the immune system and found people with inflammatory bowel disease only have half as many as healthy people.

IS DRIVING A 4X4 REALLY SUCH A RISKY BUSINESS
George Institute of International Health
Source: The Australia, 1 January 2006
How risky is it to drive a 4X4? How risky is your 4X4 to those around you.