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Home / NEPMs Explained / Air Toxics

Air Toxics

Air Toxics are gaseous, aerosol or particulate pollutants which are present in the air in low concentrations with characteristics such as toxicity or persistence so as to be a hazard to human, plant or animal life. The terms 'air toxics' and 'hazardous air pollutants' (HAPs) are used interchangeably.

Air toxics include the following general categories of compounds: volatile and semi volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and aldehydes.

Air toxics are emitted into ambient air from a wide range of sources. The exposure of the Australian population to these substances is dependent on individual lifestyle and places of work and residence.

There is a growing international recognition of the potential health risks associated with exposure to air toxics and of the need for action to minimise these risks. There is evidence that cancer, birth defects, genetic damage, immunodeficiency, respiratory and nervous system disorders can be linked to exposure to occupational levels of air toxics.

Thus it is desirable to reduce the exposure of the Australian population to these substances where possible.

Air Toxics NEPM

Title Size Download
Air Toxics NEPM file size 350 k PDF
Impact Statement for the Air Toxics NEPM file size 595 k PDF
Summary of Submissions and Responses file size 125 k PDF

Air Toxics Health Reviews

Title Size Download
Benzene Health Review file size 186 k PDF
Formaldehyde Health Review file size 198 k PDF
PAHs Health Review file size 194 k PDF
Toluene Health Review file size 156 k PDF
Xylenes Health Review file size 122 k PDF

Background Information

For information on Department of Environment and Heritage's Living Cities - Air Toxics Program Click here.

Air Toxics Information Bulletin

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Air Toxics Information Bulletin file size 314 k PDF