Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures that are burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards in the remaining rubble and ash.
Smoke from bushfires and prescribed burns can cause a range of health effects, particularly in vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting illness.
After a cyclone or flooding there are a range of hazards that may be present in and around your property and the local community.
Information relating to the safety in the environment - floods, cyclones, disasters.
Extensive use of asbestos in Western Australia up until 1987, especially in building products, has resulted in widespread presence of asbestos materials in the community.
Take extreme care when handling any spills or containers of suspected poisons, chemicals, gases or pesticides, especially if containers are damaged.
Information relating to the air quality.
Information about the various types of renovation dusts that people can be exposed to whilst doing renovation activities, what can be done to minimise exposure to these dusts and how to clean up effectively.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is important to avoid direct exposure to pesticides and take the necessary precautions by ensuring the product instructions are followed and the correct amount is used.
A P2 disposable face respirator, also called face mask can be worn for protection against health hazards from the environment, working around the home or hobbies.
Most people will undertake some form of simple pest control on their propery using pesticides. At some stage, a pest problem may be encountered which you are unable or unwilling to manage. Therefore you will need to engage a registered professional pest management business.
People that use firearms, handle ammunition or visit shooting ranges are at increased risk of lead exposure.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain small quantities of mercury. Read how to safely clean up and dispose of broken compact fluorescent lamps.
Shire of Northampton residents are more likely to be exposed to lead than the general Western Australian population due to a long history of lead mining and processing in the town and surrounding districts.
Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal and is a soft greyish-blue colour. People can be exposed to lead in the environment through the air, dusts, food and water which is mainly absorbed into the body by eating or inhalation.
When painting, renovating or disposing of items containing or contaminated with lead, it is important to handle materials safely to prevent lead exposure. Safe cleaning and disposal will avoid contaminating food, water, soil and air that can be consumed or inhaled by you and your family.
Playground equipment manufactured before 1998 may contain lead-based paint, often found in yellow, red or green colours.
Exposure to exhaust fumes has been found to adversely affect asthma, decrease lung function and increase children’s infection risk.
Heatwaves occur when the minimum and maximum temperatures are much hotter than usual for three or more days at a location.
Following a disaster you will need to clean your house thoroughly.
Burnt or friable asbestos sheets and material containing asbestos presents a health hazard and exposure to airborne asbestos fibres will be extremely high.
Information on feral pigeons and techniques that can be used around your home and property to destroy them.
Air pollution occurs when the air contains substances that can affect or even cause harm to humans, animals or the wider environment.
If you decide to go back to your property to assess the damage, retrieve your personal items, or to help with clean-up, it is important to wear the right protective clothing before handling any debris, ash, or other waste.
After a flood, recreational waters including lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches are likely to be contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
Know about the potential health risks associated with cosmetics manufactured outside of Australia and available for purchase online.
During your stay, you will be cared for by different healthcare staff at different times, who will keep each other up-to-date about your care and treatment. You and your carer or family members should be involved in this process so you’ll know what is going on with your care and treatment.
When cleaning up after a flood there are a number of safety precautions you should follow.
Falls and fall related injuries are the leading cause of injury and hospitalisation for older people in Australia – but you can take simple steps to prevent them.
Mosquitoes can breed around your home. They will lay their eggs in fresh or salty water, and often in containers that hold water. Common breeding sites include pot plant drip trays, gutters, ponds, pet water bowls, old tyres, rubbish, containers and pools that are not well maintained.
Find information about safety and first aid – browse by topic or A to Z.
Information about mosquitoes and other pests