Probe may show Vic fire health effects

Questions about the long-term health effects of smoke from the Hazelwood coalmine fire in Victoria might get some answers.

The 14,000-strong population of Morwell has been choking on the black smoke for more than a month, and many are not convinced the health effects are only short-term.

Victoria's chief health officer, Rosemary Lester, said an inquiry was being considered but would require the support of the Morwell community.

"We want to make sure that any study is undertaken with the full consent (of Morwell residents) and any study doesn't increase the distress of the people in Morwell," she said.

While she maintained the belief that there would be no long-term health consequences from the smoke, she said this was a good opportunity to learn more about this subject.

She also welcomed the announcement of a judicial inquiry into the blaze and said it would receive the full co-operation of her office.

Retired Supreme Court judge Bernard Teague, who headed the Black Saturday bushfires royal commission, will lead an independent inquiry into the coalmine fire.