A Hunter Valley doctor says reports which show higher mortality rates for several diseases in coal mining areas cannot be ignored.
Doctor Graeme Horton is attending a "Paddock to Port" community forum in Newcastle tonight and plans to raise concerns about the impact the rapid expansion of coal mining in the region.
It'll also address the likely impacts on residents of a proposal fourth coal export terminal in the Port of Newcastle.
Doctor Horton says the latest research out of the United States is worrying.
"Coal has been shown to increase the risk for developing cardio-pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, other lung diseases and kidney disease," he said.
"The mortality rates for these diseases were higher in coal mining areas compared to non-mining areas of the region."
He says the State Government must take the health concerns of residents seriously before approving any more coal production in the Valley.
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1233 ABC Newcastle
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