Environment and health
The environment we live and work in can affect our health. It can cause or worsen many medical conditions, including:
- allergies and asthma
- lung and respiratory diseases
- heart disease
- some types of cancer.
Clean drinking water, good hygiene, effective pest and disease control, and good housing are all important to our overall health.
Who manages environmental health in Australia
We share responsibility for managing environmental health with:
- other Australian Government agencies
- state and territory governments
- independent bodies.
These include:
- Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) – manages most national environment protection activities
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – regulates radiation and nuclear activities
- Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme – assesses the risks of industrial chemicals and promotes their safe use
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – provides advice on environmental issues
- Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) – regulates genetic modification
- Australian Government response to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including information on site investigations and health advice.
Every 5 years, the DCCEEW releases the State of the Environment report, covering environmental and heritage conditions, trends and pressures. The report covers the Australian continent and its external territories, as well as surrounding seas.
State and territory environmental health management
State and territory governments generally manage local environmental health issues. These include smoke, chemicals, toxic minerals and other materials that can affect the quality of our air, food and water supply.
Learn more about each jurisdiction’s activities:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia.
Environmental health topics
Learn more about: