Strengthening Australia’s Chemical Regulation

Arlene Gabriela, Sarah Leong, Philip S. W. Ong, Derek Weinert, Joe Hlubucek and Peter W. Tait
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 11, 1-24

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.

Keywords: Australian chemical policies; Australian chemical regulatory frameworks; agvet chemicals; industrial chemicals; APVMA; AICIS; chemical exposure; human health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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