❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the government's awareness and research into the link between chemicals and medical conditions like autism and asthma. The Minister acknowledges the link between chemicals and asthma, ongoing research, and monitoring efforts.
AnsweredQoN 356Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Does the Government/Health Department have any evidence that shows chemicals are linked to increases in certain medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (2) Does the Government have any research that shows or points to chemicals contributing or leading towards increases in certain medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (3) What research has the Government/Health Department promoted, funded or otherwise been involved with that seeks to detect any linkage between chemicals and any increase in incidence of one or more medical conditions? (4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 September 2000
Response time
35 days
(1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(2) Does the Government have any research that shows or points to chemicals contributing or leading towards increases in certain medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (3) What research has the Government/Health Department promoted, funded or otherwise been involved with that seeks to detect any linkage between chemicals and any increase in incidence of one or more medical conditions? (4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(3) What research has the Government/Health Department promoted, funded or otherwise been involved with that seeks to detect any linkage between chemicals and any increase in incidence of one or more medical conditions? (4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(b) unjustified?
(7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(2) Does the Government have any research that shows or points to chemicals contributing or leading towards increases in certain medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (3) What research has the Government/Health Department promoted, funded or otherwise been involved with that seeks to detect any linkage between chemicals and any increase in incidence of one or more medical conditions? (4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(3) What research has the Government/Health Department promoted, funded or otherwise been involved with that seeks to detect any linkage between chemicals and any increase in incidence of one or more medical conditions? (4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(4) Is the Government aware that some citizens believe the wide spread use of chemicals has lead to an increasing incidence of some medical conditions such as Autism or Asthma? (5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(5) Is there any evidence or research that shows these concerns are - (a) justified; or (b) unjustified? (6) If so, what is the nature of that research? (7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(b) unjustified?
(7) Is this something the Government/Health Department is actively examining? (8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
(8) If so, what action is being taken in this regard? Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
Answered on 13 September 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) Yes. Chemicals are well known to be the cause of many medical conditions including causing and exacerbating asthma. The Health Department is not aware of any association between autism and exposure to chemicals. (2) Yes. A vast number of literature has accumulated over the years showing that exposure to certain chemicals can exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma. (3) The Health Department of WA has been involved in a number of cases where chemicals such as asbestos, lead, pesticides and other chemicals have been associated with medical conditions. (4) Yes. (5) Research has shown some concerns have been justified in some instances. (6) Toxicological and epidemiological research on the effects of exposure to different chemical compounds. (7) Yes. (8) The Health Department of WA monitors occurrences on a national and international scene and the assessment of safety of chemicals is advised by both State and National expert committees which keep abreast of new developments including reviewing relevant literature, and responding to issues by giving advice and acting as necessary.
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