It follows a Newcastle Herald report yesterday on a Medical Journal of Australia study that said overwhelming evidence exists that coalmining and the burning of coal harms health and can have a significant effect on communities, including in the Hunter Valley.

A NSW Minerals Council spokesman said yesterday that coalminers and power generators were financing the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network.

An Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue was working with the community to better understand the collective effects of the mines and develop solutions.

The spokesman said the journal article raised important matters but, in some instances, relied on comparisons with the US and New Zealand that were not relevant to the Hunter or NSW.

Hunter New England public health physician Craig Dalton said there was concern about the potential effects on human health of large-scale mining.

Health authorities would use air quality monitoring network results to reach a better understanding.

Particle matter could affect the respiratory system, causing asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular problems.

Hunter Environment Lobby president Jan Davis said more rigorous studies were needed in the Hunter.

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said her community was concerned about asthma, particularly on dry or windy days.

‘‘I’m not sure whether that’s any different than other areas of heavy industrial involvement though,’’ she said.

Air quality monitoring had been of comfort to the community.