Health in Hunter New England	Table of contents Chapter introduction On this page: Data table Commentary References Print version Downloadable files
	The Environment Introduction

Introduction

In this chapter

• Regional pollution index
• Elevated blood lead levels
• Arboviral infections
• Self-reported food poisoning

Introduction

Human health and the environment are inextricably linked. The National Environmental Health Strategy defines environmental health as those aspects of human health determined by physical, chemical, biological and social factors in the environment. The practice of environmental health includes the assessment, control and prevention of environmental factors potentially and adversely affecting health, as well as the promotion of those aspects of the environment that can improve human health; known as environmental health promotion.

The Hunter New England area has a diverse mix of rural and urban environments. Issues that may impact on human health at a population level include environmental health infrastructure, air quality, the built environment, agricultural land use and practice, drinking water supply and quality, recreational water, food supply and safety, housing, changes in seasonal and climatic conditions and population increases. Importantly with many parts of the state experiencing drought conditions, innovations around effluent re-use are emerging as an important factor in ensuring a sustainable and safe future between health and the environment.

Responsibility for the management of environmental health issues is across the Commonwealth, the State and Local Government. Through research and consultation the Commonwealth and States work collaboratively to determine environmental legislation, policy and best practice standards. In NSW the responsibility for environmental health is shared between The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), NSW Health, Population Health Units and Local Government Authorities. The Department of Environment and Conservation is primarily responsible for legislation governing air, recreational water quality, radiation, effluent re-use, industry and contaminated land. NSW Health and Population Health Units are responsible for Population Health legislation in relation to monitoring and conducting risk assessments of hazards associated with drinking water quality, public air conditioning systems and warm water systems, skin penetration processes, swimming pools and spas, tobacco control and effluent re-use. NSW Health also manages statewide programs such as the Aboriginal Environmental Health program, the Housing for Health program, the New South Wales Drinking Water Monitoring Program, the Legionella Sampling program and the Arboviral Disease Program. Population Health units work in partnership with Local Government, Aboriginal Medical Services and industry to manage environmental health hazards and to build capacity at a local level to address local needs. Population Health also provides advice and input into development proposals, environment impact statements, health impact assessments and community innovations that may impact on health or the environment.

This chapter presents an overview of some of the important indicators of environmental health status in the Hunter New England area including air and water quality, arboviral infections, blood lead levels, environmental related infectious diseases and food poisoning. Each section will also provide an interpretation of the indicators and measures taken by Population Health to reduce potential health risks.

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