Chemicals and Human Health
Chemicals are everywhere to find more information about chemicals and health access this category.
Principal Links
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Termite Protection : Available treatments and hazard information about termiticides - Information on Information on termite treatments available in Australia, including hazard information on chemicals approved in Australia for use as termiticides
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/termite.htm
Information on various chemicals and their affects on human health.
http://www.envirolink.org/topics.html?topic=Human%20Health&topicsku=2002119144601&topictype=topic&do=catsearch&catid=10
Information about the health effects of chemicals that build-up in the body from birth
http://www.chemicalbodyburden.org/
The Australian Consumers' Association is a not-for-profit organisation that's here to help you. We publish consumer information to keep you informed, test products so you don't buy duds, and lobby on your behalf.
http://www.choice.com.au/subCat.aspx?id=100484&p=1&catId=100231
National Program for the collection and destruction of unwanted and out-of-date medicines and pharmaceutical products.
http://www.returnmed.com.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Health homepage
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf
World Health Organisation site of the WHO that provides information on health issues across the globe
http://www.who.int/en/
Includes a number of links to fact sheets related to human health and the environment
http://health.usgs.gov/
Department of Health and Ageing - pdf format of poisons and children
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/phs/Documents/shpu/15448.pdf
This page provides access to information related to the ban on Asbestos from 31 December, 2003.
http://www.nohsc.gov.au/ohslegalobligations/nationalstandards/asbest.htm
Perceived ill-health of Vietnam veterans and their families has been a public issue since 1978. Initially, the major concern was possible effects of exposure of Vietnam veterans to some herbicides (notably Agent Orange) used during the Vietnam conflict.
http://www.dva.gov.au/media/publicat/dapsone.htm
Pink Disease - Babyhood Mercury poisoning - Support Group providing information and support
http://www.pinkdisease.org
Information on chemical ingredients commonly found in cleaning products and their environmental and health effects
http://www.planetark.com/products/PACleaningProdFactSheet.pdf
Public Health Association of Australia Inc (PHAA) provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and information on public health. The Association is also involved in advocacy for public health policy, development, research and training.
http://www.phaa.net.au/aboutus.php
As part of the World Health Organisation, co-ordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control - EU site
http://www.iarc.fr
Ansell is designed to help ensure that you are adeuqately protected. It contains critical chemical handling advice, support, information - Take the Acid Test?
http://www.ansellchemsafe.com
TGA - Information Brochures on Assessment of Toxicity
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/chemtox.htm
A site devoted to helping primary producers to enhance health and safety including training and risk assessment in farm chemical use
http://www.ruralsafe.com.au
USA Agency for protecting America's health from toxic exposure
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
More Links
Click on the '+' icon to see brief
descriptions for each link. Selected links will open
in a new window.
Small Business Safety Checklist - Checking out your workplace
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/6521BEB7-D790-45AC-9CAF-D74FBD61ECAB/0/gen_smallbiz_safetychecklist_1284.pdf
The Chem Unit is to enhance community safety in Queensland by overseeing a whole-of-Government approach to the safe management of hazardous materials in Qld, supporting the co-ordination of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001; and providing response advice and training for chemical, biological and radiological hazards.
http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/chem
Information on a selected list of carcinogens displayed as material safety data sheets
http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/ca_hsfs.htm
Information on a variety of nutritional topics (e.g. iron intake, fish and fats.)
http://www.csiro.com.au/science/DietNutrition.html
Information about phthalates-a group of chemicals used in kids? toys and medical devices
http://www.healthfinder.gov/
The US Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association home page
http://www.ctfa.org/
The Lead Advisory Service Australia is run by The Lead Education and Abatement Design Group (The LEAD Group), a community organisation working to eliminate childhood and foetal lead poisoning by the year 2012 and to protect the environment from lead.
http://www.lead.org.au/fs/fst1.html
A US link that provides information about chemicals - this site also has links to other databases
http://chemfinder.cambridgesoft.com/
Farmsafe Queensland offers services to primary producers and their employees to allow them to manage their occupational health and safety outcomes in the rural workplace.
http://www.farmsafe.com.au/
This document sets out the acute reference doses (in units of mg/kg bodyweight) for agricultural and veterinary chemicals used on food producing crops or animals, and is current at 31 January 2004
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/arfd.htm
Document that looks at the adverse reactions of chemicals used in cosmetics.
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html
Database of highly toxic chemicals
http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/hightoxicity.html
NT Worksafe is the administrative and regulatory arm of the Northern Territory Work Health Authority the statutory body established under the Work Health Act. NT Worksafe is responsible for the Territory-wide regulation of occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and workers' compensation.
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins17.shtml
"Pest Genie is a FREE web service by CSIRO, which provides instant access to a single, central database of pests and pesticide solutions for a vast array of groups interested in crop and plant protection and veterinary care. These include farmers, advisers, employees, veterinarians, scientists, students, gardeners and people concerned with workplace health and safety."
http://www.pestgenie.com.au/
Total Environment Centres Toxic Chemicals Campaign focuses on reducing the toxic chemical load on the built and natural environment
http://www.tec.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=10&Itemid=293
How to responsibly manage spray drift and steps to take if spray drift occurs in regard to agriculture, human health and the environment
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_4909_enq-html.htm
The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) protects the safety and health of employees in the mineral and petroleum resources sector and minimises the environmental impact of activities in this sector. In addition, DoIR protects the community by ensuring dangerous goods are stored, handled and transported in a safe manner.
http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/environment/
Environmental campaigners focusing on areas such as natural areas, urban areas, toxic chemicals, green capital, waste, energy and green economics.
http://www.tec.org.au/
Information on the protection of America's health from exposure to toxic chemicals
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
Database of response to chemical exposure
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mhmi/mmg.html
Cosmetic ingredient safety list that refers to publications. Adobe Acrobat format.
http://www.cir-safety.org/staff_files/publist.pdf
Information on what heavy metals are, the illnesses they cause and how they are absorbed.
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/imported-food/testing/heavy-metals/index.htm
Research Project on air toxic levels in NSW with focus on dioxins and heavy metals
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/air/dopatihm/index.htm
"The Health program exists to promote, improve and maintain the health, well-being and independence of the veteran community."
http://www.dva.gov.au/health/mainhe.htm
A US link that provides information about chemicals.
http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/
Information on a range of supplements including studies, history and reference lists with fact sheets and lists of vitamins for further information
http://ods.od.nih.gov/showpage.aspx?pageid=90
Information on dioxins & their effects on humans with further information sources provided
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs225/en/
US site that offers lawn help for householders - misuse and overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on lawns which cuold result in an unhealthy lawn, susceptible to pests and diseases
http://www.healthylawns.org/
First aid steps for poisoning including swallowing, on the skin and in the eye
http://www.kinderstart.com/frame_for_links.php?redirect=http://www.ou.edu/oupd/poison.htm
Information on the different types of poisons and what to do if a poisoning occurs. Also includes links to prevention tips for adults & children
http://www.kinderstart.com/frame_for_links.php?redirect=http://www.aapcc.org/preventi.htm
Fact sheet including history and diagnosis of mercury poisoning
http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic813.htm
Studies on hormonally active chemicals in the environment - so called endocrine disruptors
http://www.reason.org/peg5.pdf
Danish Environmental Protection Agency - Chemicals: Biocides, Pesticides, Other Chemicals, Rat Control
http://www.mst.dk/homepage/
APVMA site - Information for the Community on Chemicals under review, products and safe use
http://www.apvma.gov.au/community/subpage_community.shtml
Information about chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries that threaten human health and the environment. Also contains a link to cleaning without harsh chemicals.
http://www.elc.org.uk/pages/envirotoxictour.htm
NICNAS chemical information sheet on ammonium lauryl sulfate including references
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/information_sheets/existing_chemical_information_sheets/ecis_als_pdf.pdf
Facts about Mercury and Dental Amalgam (with Medical Study References) and environmental mercury contamination
http://www.cfspages.com/bernie.html
Database of known and suspected teratogens
http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/teratogens.html
Basic first aid information and other links
http://www.parasolemt.com.au
The Department of Health and Ageing links you with sites on specific programs, subjects and initiatives developed by the Department and agencies within the Portfolio, as well as links to related national and international health sites.
http://www.health.gov.au//internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/health-azguide.htm
APVMA - Information for the Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Industries - Overview and Legislation
http://www.apvma.gov.au/industry/subpage_industry.shtml
Information on the proper use of vitamin supplements with links to further information
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Vitamins_some_common_misconceptions?OpenDocument
Our Stolen Future is a scientific detective story that explores the emerging science of endocrine disruption: how some synthetic chemicals interfere with the ways that hormones work in humans and wildlife.
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/
Green group concerned with the impact of chemicals on the natural environment
http://www.planetagenda.com/chemicals.htm
An introduction to safe chemical use
http://www.urbanforest.on.net/backyard-q05.htm
Provides links to MSDS and general Chemical Information
http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/consumer.html
Deals with issues affecting children's health by conducting environmental health and policy research
http://www.childenvironment.org/
Website of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Contains info on product recalls, latest news and links.
http://www.cpsc.gov/
CREDO information on European research projects into endocrine disruption
http://www.credocluster.info/
Information on the health effects of dietary supplements gathered from various research endeavors (US)
http://www.supplementquality.com/
View information products produced with the aim of reducing the risks to workers handling chemicals.
http://www.eric.sa.gov.au/show_page.jsp?id=2769
Information on dioxins in the environment from The Chlorine Chemistry Council
http://www.dioxinfacts.org/
Medicines Australia represents research based pharmaceutical companies, who discover, develop and manufacture prescription medicines.
http://www.medicinesaustralia.com.au/
Information on complementary medicines and their proper use with links to chemical information
http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cm.htm
Information about basic properties, health effects, environmental effects on a range of chemicals
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html
Provides links to information about lead including questions and answers about lead in water, contamination and information about childhood lead poisoning. Also provides information on regulation, research and treatment.
http://www.cdc.gov/health/lead.htm
US information including Lead, Lead in Water, Risk Assessments, National Asbestos Exposure
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/index.html
Information on chemicals and the risks developmental disorders for the unborn child
http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com/18367.cfm
Information on heavy metals in particular lead and their effects on human health
http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8375
The Northern Territory?s Department of Health and Community Services, Environmental Health section maintains a Poisons Control section. Poisons Control is responsible for the monitoring and control of supply of Poisons (scheduled substances) and Therapeutic Goods in the Northern Territory. Click here to find out more information.
http://www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev/environ_health/application_forms/poisons_control.shtml
The Australian community expects that medicines and medical devices in the marketplace are safe and of high quality, to a standard at least equal to that of comparable countries. The objective of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which came into effect on 15 February 1991, is to provide a national framework for the regulation of therapeutic goods in Australia and ensure their quality, safety and efficacy.
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/azguide.htm
NICNAS - Information for Public including new chemicals, cosmetics, existing chemicals and information sheets
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/about_nicnas.asp
Information about the safety and use of diggers products displayed as database's
http://www.diggersaust.com.au/datasheets/index.html
NICNAS - Priority existing chemical report
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/car/pec/pec20.asp
Basic information with links to http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/publications/5900.html
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Medicines_safety_issues?OpenDocument
Database of articles on the effects of pesticides
http://www.intute.ac.uk/healthandlifesciences/agriculture/
UK DEFRA, Environment Protection - Chemicals, information on what the UK Government is doing to protect the environment and human health from the risks posed by exposure to hazardous chemicals
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/index.htm
NICNAS chemical information sheet on sodium lauryl sulfate including references
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/information_sheets/existing_chemical_information_sheets_sls_pdf.pdf
Database of known and suspected carcinogens
http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/carcinogens.html
Under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act) the EPA regulates contaminated sites that pose a significant risk of harm to human health or the environment
http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/clm/index.htm
NT Worksafe - Information Bulletin on Hazardous Substances - General Information
http://www.nt.gov.au/deet/worksafe/corporate/bulletins08.shtml
National Occupational Health and Safety link to databases on risks, exposure standards, hazardous substances, and training material
http://www.ascc.gov.au
Information on chemicals and health in the home. A guide to reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals.
http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/reducingyourrisk2.pdf
The National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) has been established under section 52B of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Committee comprises of State and Territory government members and other persons appointed by the Minister such as technical experts and representatives of various sectional interests.
http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/index.htm
Database for chemicals including toxicology, hazardous chemicals and other related areas.
http://www.toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
The Lead Group - A community group that provides information on lead in health and environment
http://www.lead.org.au/au.html
The FAISD Handbook is a consolidation of the advice provided to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) by the Office of Chemical Safety in the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing (DHA) and the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) up to the date of amendment. The recommendations are intended to provide guidance to these parties in the approval of labels for agricultural and veterinary chemical products.
http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/faisd.htm
Information on the human effects of PCBs. Also contains a list of references and further information sites
http://www.clearwater.org/news/pcbhealth.html
General information about health related topics, including pharmaceuticals and poisons
http://www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en
Health effects from dioxins, furans and PCBs.
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/air/breathe/dioxins.html
Information from NICNAS, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on keeping cosmetics safe
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/current_issues.asp
Consumer info concerning the safety of CCA treated timber
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/living/cca-treatedtimber.html
This fact sheet reviews the information currently available on whether or not diazinon affects the risk of breast cancer.
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs28.diazinon.pdf
British chemical industries site providing education, public information, safety & health initiatives, etc.
http://www.cia.org.uk/newsite/
Providing information on hazardous chemicals, household chemicals and pest and weed control
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment
Information about safety for children, including what to do when they are exposed to household chemicals.
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/poison.html
Information about safety for small children, including what to do when they are exposed to household chemicals.
http://www.kidsafe.com.au/
