Possible Thailand lethal insecticide used in NZ

Date:05-16-2011

The lethal insecticide implicated in recent Thailand tourist deaths is used in New Zealand and should be phased out, said the Green Party today.

Chlorpyrifos is classified by the Environmental and Risk Management Authority (ERMA) as “acutely toxic” to humans and “ecotoxic” in water and soil environments, though it is permitted for use in New Zealand.

Green Party toxics spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said: “It is very worrying that this highly toxic chemical is still being used in New Zealand.

"Our research shows that chlorpyrifos is being used on fruit farms and in industrial settings, where it could potentially harm workers.”

Ms Delahunty said that a kiwifruit worker was hospitalised in 2008 after being accidentally sprayed with Lorsban, in which the active ingredient is chlorpyrifos.

"Now it has been implicated in the deaths of tourists in Thailand, we must look more closely at its use here in New Zealand. Other countries have banned its use, particularly in homes and gardens. 

"If it is dangerous in our homes, it’s also dangerous to use in growing our food, and in the workplace,” said Ms Delahunty.

Ms Delahunty said that Toppel, another insecticide in which the main active ingredient is chlorpyrifos, was promoted as “an economic option” for killing pests related to avocados, onions, and many other fruits and vegetables grown in New Zealand.

"We want safe, healthy food for everyone. We don’t want to wait for someone to die before we stop using acutely toxic chemicals.

"Chlorpyrifos needs to be reassessed urgently, and New Zealand needs to lift its game and use the more robust assessment criteria used by the European Union.

"Our livelihoods depend on our clean, green brand. We cannot afford to sacrifice our environment and our people for the sake of saving a few bucks by using an acutely toxic insecticide,” said Ms Delahunty.