Victoria's hub for health services and business
A gateway to the strategies, policies, programs and services delivered by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Victorian government portal for older people, with information about government and community services and programs.
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Groundwater quality varies across Victoria; in some areas, groundwater is not suitable for use...
Make sure your private drinking water supply is safe...
When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden...
When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease...
Around 75 per cent of Melbourne?s air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions...
Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people...
Even moderately cold weather increases the risk of illness and death. Check on your older neighbours, friends and relatives during spells of colder weather, especially those living alone or with a...
Disease clusters are rare but can cause community concern about the possible effects of exposure to environmental hazards...
You and your family should work out an emergency plan in case of flood...
High-risk food should be kept at 5 °C or below, and above 60 °C to avoid the temperature danger zone and food poisoning...
When asbestos fibres become airborne, people working with asbestos may inhale particles which remain in their lungs...
Asbestos fibres breathed into the lungs can cause a range of health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma...
Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin...
Saving water in the garden not only saves money, but also helps protect the environment...
Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise, but you need to take care...
If you service your gas heater regularly and use it correctly, it will be safe and economical to use...
When handled properly, greywater can be safely reused for the garden...
It can be dangerous to dispose of hazardous wastes through regular rubbish collections...
Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. The best protection from mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites...
The way to control indoor mould growth is to control the source of moisture...
Passive smoking means breathing other people's second-hand tobacco smoke. Passive smoking increases the risk of serious illness in both children and adults...
If you use pesticides to control pests around the house, make sure you use as little as possible...
If you have pest problems that you cannot manage yourself, you may need to hire an authorised pest control operator...
Sewage contains harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa...
The smoke from wood fires can affect air quality and may affect people's health...
Mine tailings near goldmines may contain high levels of arsenic...
Low-level exposure to cadmium over a long period of time may cause health effects because cadmium can accumulate in the body...
Sprayed chemicals can drift over neighbouring properties or water sources, and can affect human health, animals or the environment...
CCA treated timber should not be used to build children's play equipment, patios, new garden furniture, decking or handrails...
To reduce risks on the farm, use hazardous chemicals according to manufacturer guidelines or replace them with less dangerous options...
Long-term exposure to low levels of lead may produce symptoms including irritability, lack of energy and loss of appetite...
Farmer health, wellbeing and safety are often neglected when facing the pressures of harvest. Simple safety measures can dramatically reduce the risk of injury and illness...
Preventing or minimising exposure to mercury in your environment is the best way to reduce the risk of mercury poisoning...
Pregnant women and young children should limit consumption of fish that contain high levels of mercury...
Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help...
Fluoride in your drinking water is like a constant 'repair kit' for your teeth...
Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins that can harm humans and animals when swallowed, inhaled or touched. People and pets should not enter the water at locations affected by blue-green algae...
We can keep our pools safe, healthy, and most importantly fun...
Legionnaires' disease is a rare form of pneumonia...
There are simple steps for all visitors to follow to keep pool water clean for healthy swimming...
Drinking untreated water, such as creek water, bore water and sometimes even rainwater can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis...
Learn how to prepare and cook food safely at home...
Learn how to store food safely in your fridge at home...
The humble egg is a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. Eggs are full of things your body needs. They are a great source of protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin A, vitamin D...
People who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch because of the risk of chemical exposure...
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction...
You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions...
Dr Brett Sutton, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and Dr Teresa Lebel, Senior Mycologist detail how Victorian’s need to be aware of death cap mushrooms and other poisonous mushrooms now because we are...
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean. These...
Chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics and hormones are used to boost food production and ensure adequate food supply...
Long-term exposure to asbestos is a cause of lung cancer and other serious illnesses...
The effect of electromagetic fields (EMF) from power lines and other sources is a controversial issue...
Using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of traffic accidents...
Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards...
Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency...
Debris, smoke, ash and dead animals from a bushfire can contaminate water tanks...
Due to the vulnerability of infants and the large amount of supplies required to safely formula feed infants in situations where there is no access to power or clean water, it is recommended that all...
Extreme heat can affect anyone, including the young and healthy...
Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster. Find out how you can treat and prevent heat-related illness...
Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others...
How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat...
Children can be affected by information regarding bushfires and they may become concerned about issues of safety. Talking to children openly in a way that suits their age, while also involving them in...
The effects of climate change will have a serious impact on the physical and mental health of people around the world...
Urban flash flooding can happen quickly and without warning. Heavy rain causes runoff to collect in dips, car parks and roads, and there is a risk of contamination, injury and disease...
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home...
Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your holiday. Mosquitoes can carry diseases be prepared and avoid mosquito bites...
A needlestick injury means the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Diseases that could be transmitted by a needle or needlestick injury include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV...
We all love travelling to new and exotic places, but unfortunately illnesses and unforeseen events can ruin the trip of a lifetime. With a little effort, take a few of these simple precautions to make...
Learn about the steps you can take to avoid smoke and protect your health
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