Hazardous substances abound in everyday life, and often people do not realise the influence these toxic products have on the environment around them.
To get a better handle on the issues and ensure public safety, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is holding a number of workshops around the country with representatives from territorial authorities providing feedback from their experiences on the ground.
While the EPA is a co-ordination and supervisory body, it's the local authorities that enforce the rules, both in private dwellings as well as public places.
Hazardous substances range from commercial waste, to agricultural products both on private property and public spaces, weed killers and face paints.
EPA hazardous substances compliance manager Ray McMillan said about 15 people attended a workshop held in Napier on Wednesday, attended by staff from Gisborne, Hastings, Wairoa and Napier councils ranging from rural firefighters to town planners.