NSW school heaters to be replaced

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDJul 27 2010

Unflued gas heaters in public schools posed a risk of respiratory ailments to students, a report found. Education Minister Verity Firth announced yesterday that the NSW government will replace these heaters. The government funded study to look at the effects of these low-emission unflued gas heaters in NSW public schools found “no measurable adverse changes in lung function” but said it was important to seek “alternative, effective and efficient sources of domestic and public space heating that does not have adverse effects”.

The report was undertaken by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. It also said that while the heaters' emissions were unlikely to have “severe adverse consequences” in the short term, “exposure to the unflued gas heater in the sub-group with asthma suggests an adverse effect, which is best avoided”. A study in 22 schools showed that children with allergies and asthma were susceptible to these heaters with higher rates of “wheezing”.

This report was commissioned after four years of protests from parents’ groups for the removal of the 51,000 unflued heaters across the state's public schools. There have been concerns that these heaters emit nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide in the classrooms. These heaters have already been phased out elsewhere in the country.

Ms Firth assured that the Education Department at present was looking at alternatives and was employing experts to start the health risk assessments. “When this is complete the process of replacing heaters can commence, beginning with those that are used the most,” she said. The Asthma Foundation enthused over this decision saying that this move would make children safe. The foundation worked with the Campaign Opposing Unflued Gas Heaters and the Greens to place pressure on the NSW government to remove the heaters. Chief executive of the Asthma Foundation NSW Michelle Goldman said: “We will be watching like a hawk to ensure this occurs.” The Government was unable to say yesterday when all the heaters would be replaced. They would remain in classrooms for the rest of winter.

Last month the state government announced it would replace the heaters at 100 schools in colder regions. The move will cost taxpayers a $400 million.