Scientific Services ~ Public Health Toxicology

Scientific Services is a specialist group with expertise in biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, environmental health and chemistry. It advises Parliament, government departments, business professionals and the general public on the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in air, water, food and soil. Scientists from the group are also involved in State, national and international committees established to develop guidelines for safe levels of chemicals in the environment and guidelines for conducting health risk assessments.

Under the Controlled Substances Act (1984), the Section administers the parts of the Act and regulations relating to the licensing of pest control companies, pest management technicians and aerial spray contractors, and regulates the sale, supply, possession and use of scheduled poisons/drugs.

Controlled Substances Licences (drugs, poisons, pesticides)

Environmental Health Assessment Hotline ~ Ph (08) 8226-7107

• Do you believe your health is affected by foundry or industrial fumes or noise?
• Would you like to discuss this with a doctor or toxicologist?

In recent years the Scientific Services Branch has received a number of complaints related to industrial sites. To assess complaints of ill health which residents attribute to industrial sites, the Branch has established an Environmental Health Register.

Members of the public are invited to contact Scientific Services if they are concerned about health effects potentially related to industrial emissions. A doctor or toxicologist is available to discuss these issues with callers and where requested, with their GP.

The South Australian Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the administration of the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 1994 under the Environment Protection Act 1993. More information on air pollutants and standards can be found at: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/epa/noise.html#Urban_Air_Quality.

Fact Sheets & Reports

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