Hazardous substances

Agricultural compounds are used for many purposes, including protecting native plants and wildlife and minimising health risks from pests.

Arsenic is a substance that is found naturally in rock. It has been used as an insecticide, and some situations arsenic harms people’s health.

Learn about identifying asbestos-containing material in your home, the health risks of asbestos and what you can do about asbestos.

Some common manufactured products may be or may contain hazardous substances.

Soil contamination results where hazardous substances are either spilled on or buried in the soil, or migrate from a spill that occurred elsewhere.

Fires can expose people to a range of hazardous substances.

Hazardous substances are common in homes, workplaces, and public areas. Find out more about how we protect public health from such substances.

Lead is a metal that can be found in the environment, around the home or at workplaces. If untreated, lead poisoning can be serious.

The guidelines support public health officers to support the management of public health risks from exposure to lead in non-occupational settings.

Mercury vaporises at room temperature and breathing in this vapour can be harmful to your health.

Persistent Organic Pollutants are compounds that do not break down easily, and stay in the environment.

We publish a range of information on hazardous substances, from reports and evaluations to guidance for public health officers.