Chemicals

​​The presence of either synthetic or natural chemicals, poisons and toxins in soil, food, water and air can potentially effect human health. Substances to which people may be exposed include:

• heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium or lead
• pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or chlorpyrifos
• industrial chemicals or wastes such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• chemicals that persist in the environment such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• natural substances such as toxins from algae or fish.

Toxicology is a key tool used to assess perceived and actual health risks to humans from chemicals.

Useful publications and resources

• INCHEM Service
  Published by the International Program on Chemical Safety. A useful tool for those concerned with chemical safety and management of chemicals.
• Fishermen and Dioxin - Interim Report
• Fishermen and Dioxin - Supplementary Report
• Dioxin Factsheet
• NSW Food Authority - Report on Dioxins in Seafood
• Australian Government PFAS guidance statement​​
  
• Australian Government PFAS fact sheet​
  
• Australian Government PFAS Taskforce information portal for the latest advice on PFAS matters and actions being taken by the Australian Government to manage PFAS contamination.