❓ The WA government addresses chemical sensitivity concerns, highlighting existing standards and labelling requirements while acknowledging the challenges of preventing reactions in sensitive individuals. They support warnings based on scientific evidence.
AnsweredQoN 653Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(2) What preventative measures does the Health Department recommend to avoid people becoming chemically sensitised? (3) Does the Government/Health Department support warnings being issued to the community about the issue of chemical sensitivity and the long term effects of small doses of chemicals? (4) If so, what action does the Government propose in this regard? (5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 October 2000
Response time
42 days
(1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Does the Government/Health Department support warnings being issued to the community about the issue of chemical sensitivity and the long term effects of small doses of chemicals? (4) If so, what action does the Government propose in this regard? (5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(4) If so, what action does the Government propose in this regard? (5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Does the Government/Health Department support warnings being issued to the community about the issue of chemical sensitivity and the long term effects of small doses of chemicals? (4) If so, what action does the Government propose in this regard? (5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(4) If so, what action does the Government propose in this regard? (5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
(5) If not why not? Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
Answered on 18 October 2000 The Minister Replied: (1) No. (2) Regulatory authorities in Australia have developed and adopted standards for chemicals in air, water and food as well as the workplace, consistent with international standards. These Standards ensure that the level of chemicals is unlikely to cause harm to human health in the majority of the population. There is a small group of individuals who can become sensitised to certain chemicals and are affected by levels lower than the standards. In order to protect this sensitive subgroup of people, regulatory authorities require warning statements and appropriate safety directions on the labels of products containing chemicals known to cause sensitisation. Multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognised medical diagnosis and very often refers to a condition where non-specific symptoms occur in people whose view is that they have become sensitised to chemicals. This is usually attributed to exposure to very low levels of a variety of diverse chemicals. It is logistically very difficult, if not impossible, to predict reactions to the vast array of chemicals which may potentially trigger reactions in sensitive individuals and to put in place preventative programs. (3) Yes, in cases where such effects are clearly supported by medical and scientific evidence. (4) This is currently being done with labelling requirements under the Health Act 1911 and the Poisons Act 1964. (5) Not applicable.
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