Delays causing needless exposure to dangerous toxins in Australia, advocates say

A process to review air pollution standards for two toxins began two years ago but consultations are only just starting

Australians are being placed at risk by stalled government action on two dangerous pollutants mainly emitted by coal-fired power stations, environmental experts have warned.

Air pollution places a significant burden on the health of Australians, causing 3,000 deaths each year and a mortality cost of between $11bn and $24bn, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.