Proper management of hazardous substances from beginning to the end of their lifecycle, is necessary to avoid adverse health effects from either direct exposure or environmental contamination.
For more information about hazardous substances and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act see the website of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
The Ministry of Health has launched a health education website, which contains information pamphlets for the general public: www.healthed.govt.nz
Useful pamphlets from HealthEd that relate to environmental health include:
- Guidelines for the Management of Lead-Based Paint.
-
Lead and Lead Poisoning.
- Repainting Lead-Based Paint.
- All About Asbestos.
- Removing Asbestos from the Home.
These can also be found in the PDF versions below:
Lead and lead poisoning
Mercury
Asbestos
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) provides best practice information and guidance to assist New Zealand businesses with health and safety in the workplace. Its occupational safety and health (OSH) website publishes and updates systematic guidelines and information on lead-based paint and asbestos which are available at: www.osh.govt.nz
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Vertebrate Toxic Agents
Other helpful websites include:
Contact the Duty Health Protection Officer (Environmental Health) for any concern or enquiries over hazardous substances on (09) 623 4600.