Direct and indirect exposures to hazardous substances, or environmental pollution, can cause unwanted health effects.

Our designated health protection officers have responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, and related regulations, to reduce risks to the public in settings outside of the workplace.

Examples of our work include:

  • issuing permits for vertebrate toxic agents (usually possum and rat control poisons)
  • avoiding and reducing the risk to public health, which may arise from substances:
    • importation
    • manufacture
    • storage
    • packaging
    • labelling
    • handling
    • transport
    • sale
 

Further information

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

Responsible Care New Zealand

Last updated 13 March 2018.