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Public health

Hazardous Substances

Hazardous Substances

Effective management of hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle is necessary to avoid adverse health effects from either direct exposure or environmental contamination.

The Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti Public Health, Healthy Environments team is involved in the prevention of injuries from exposures to hazardous substances. Designated Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act Enforcement Officers enforce the Act in respect of hazardous substances in public places.

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti Public Health, Healthy Environments role also relates to situations where notwithstanding other agencies' responsibilities, there is a need to protect public health. Health Protection Officers provide information and advice to the public on hazardous substances including:

  • Lead and lead poisoning
  • Mercury

If you believe you have been affected, either directly or indirectly by a hazardous substance or chemical you should:

1.    For treatment

  • Ring the Poison centre hotline on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
  • Go and see your GP – they may report your incident to the Medical Officer of Health via a system known as the Hazardous Substances Disease and Injury Reporting Tool (HSDIRT) as a result of this notification you may receive a phone call from a Health Protection Officer seeking further information.

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In this section

Public health