Crown Public Health

Areas we work in / Ngā Wāhi Mahi

Environmental Issues / Hazardous Substances

Effective management of hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle is necessary to avoid adverse health effects from either direct exposure or environmental contamination. Community and Public Health's role relates to situations where, not withstanding other agencies' responsibilities, there exists a need to protect public health. Staff provide information and advice to the public on hazardous substances including:

  • Asbestos
  • Lead and lead poisoning
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Community and Public Health will coordinate testing of suspected asbestos materials. Please be aware there is a cost for this service.

Other agencies with substantial hazardous substances roles and responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act include:

  • Department of Labour which responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the Act are enforced in any place of work
  • Territorial local authorities who are responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the Act are enforced in or on any premises situated in the district of the territorial authority other than those premises specified in s97 HSNO Act as being the responsibility of another agency.

Get additional information about hazardous substances and the HSNO legislation (New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority or EPA)

Documents


PDF Guidelines for the management of lead-based paint
PDF Safe Management of PCBs: Code of Practice

Downloads

Order copies from the Community Health Information Centre


PDF All About Asbestos
PDF Removing Asbestos from the Home
PDF Lead and Lead Poisoning
PDF Repainting Lead-based Paint

Links

Environmental Protection Authority

 

   
 
 

For additional information, contact:

Environmental Protection Authority
Ph: 0800 376 234

Contact your local office for more information