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Strengthening Australia’s Chemical Regulation

Author

Listed:
  • Arlene Gabriela

    (Medical School, Australian National University, Florey Building 54 Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Sarah Leong

    (Medical School, Australian National University, Florey Building 54 Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Philip S. W. Ong

    (Medical School, Australian National University, Florey Building 54 Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Derek Weinert

    (Medical School, Australian National University, Florey Building 54 Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Joe Hlubucek

    (Public Health Association of Australia, 20 Napier Close Deakin, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia)

  • Peter W. Tait

    (Medical School, Australian National University, Florey Building 54 Mills Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
    Public Health Association of Australia, 20 Napier Close Deakin, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia)

Abstract

Humans are exposed to a myriad of chemicals every day, some of which have been established to have deleterious effects on human health. Regulatory frameworks play a vital role in safeguarding human health through the management of chemicals and their risks. For this review, we focused on agricultural and veterinary (Agvet) chemicals and industrial chemicals, which are regulated, respectively, by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), and the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). The current frameworks have been considered fragmented, inefficient, and most importantly, unsafe in prioritizing human health. We evaluated these frameworks, identified gaps, and suggested improvements that would help bring chemical regulation in Australia in line with comparative regulations in the EU, US, and Canada. Several weaknesses in the Australian frameworks include the lack of a national program to monitor chemical residues, slow pace in conducting chemical reviews, inconsistent risk management across states and territories, a paucity of research efforts on human health impacts, and inadequate framework assessment systems. Recommendations for Australia include establishing a national surveillance and chemical residue monitoring system, harmonizing risk assessment and management across jurisdictions, improving chemical review efficiency, and developing regular performance review mechanisms to ensure that human health is protected.

Suggested Citation

  • Arlene Gabriela & Sarah Leong & Philip S. W. Ong & Derek Weinert & Joe Hlubucek & Peter W. Tait, 2022. "Strengthening Australia’s Chemical Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-24, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6673-:d:827873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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