Climate and weather can impact human health. For example, extreme heat can:
- increase the chance of bushfires, resulting in exposure to smoke. Smoke can make existing heart conditions and lung diseases worse
- increase the chance of dust storms, which can make breathing-related illnesses worse.
EPA’s environmental health role means we work with other agencies to help protect your health during extreme weather events.
About environmental public health and climate change
Climate change presents a risk to the environment and people's health. EPA has an important role to play in relation to climate change. We make sure industry and business show best practice management of greenhouse gas emissions. We do this through using our:
- legislation
- regulatory guidance
- scientific expertise.
We’ll work with and help put in place the Victorian Government's direction on climate change.
Find out more about other public health issues related to pollution and waste
Contaminated illegal drug labs and public health
Contaminated land and public health
Environmental public health: EPA’s role
How to clean up mercury spills in your home
How to manage hazardous chemical waste and asbestos in your home
Reviewed 7 August 2020
