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Home / About EPHC: Priority Projects / Management of Chemicals / National Dioxins ProgramNational Dioxins ProgramIn the 2001-02 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced the four year National Dioxins Program to reduce dioxin and dioxin-like substances in the environment. A priority for the program was to improve our knowledge about dioxin levels in Australia, assess the risks to the Australian population and the environment, and to consider appropriate management actions. Studies commenced in 2001 to measure emissions from sources such as bushfires and motor vehicles, and to determine dioxin levels in the environment, food and population. The findings of these studies were used to determine the risk dioxins pose to our health and the environment. The studies show that the levels of dioxins in our food, our bodies and the environment are generally low when compared internationally. They also showed that the risks to human health and the environment are low. Although there were a small number of samples analysed, these studies provide the largest survey of dioxin levels ever undertaken in Australia. Copies of these studies and risk assessments are available on the DEH website. Click here to access the page: http://www.deh.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/dioxins/index.html. At its 11th meeting on 1 July 2005, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) agreed to release the draft National Action Plan for Addressing Dioxins in Australia for an eight-week public comment period. Fourteen submissions were received and taken into consideration in preparing a revised Plan. A summary of the comments provided is included in Appendix 2. The EPHC has agreed that this revised Action Plan will be the guiding
document for addressing dioxins in Australia. The plan will be
implemented in consultation with other ministerial councils with an
interest in dioxins including Food Regulation, Primary Industries and
Health.
The Action Plan will contribute towards meeting Australia's obligations
in relation to reducing dioxin releases as required under Article 5 of
the Stockholm Convention. The Action Plan will become part of
Australia's National Implementation Plan (NIP) which will set out how we
will meet broader obligations under the Convention. Further information about this plan should be made to:
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