Tuesday, 1 May 2007

Interim 1080 report highlights areas of concern - Copeland

United Future MP Gordon Copeland is pleased that the Environmental Risk Management Authority's Evaluation and Review Report has highlighted the important environmental, health and social issues surrounding the use of 1080 poison.

"While an interim report such as this seems a little unusual to me, I am pleased that it sets out the relevant areas of concern that will be addressed through the hearings process of the reassessment," said Mr Copeland.

"While we all wish to get on top of New Zealand's noxious pest situation many people are uncomfortable with the idea of aerially dropping poison over our forests and into our waterways to do it.

"I am glad to see that ERMA is keen to address the indiscriminate nature of aerial application and the possible risks that this may have to non-target species, particularly valued recreational species such as deer.

"While it was not mentioned, I hope that the hearings process will set out the benefits of deer repellent use on bait to protect non-target species. I am encouraged that the Animal Health Board, the biggest user of 1080, is comfortable with the use of deer repellent.

"ERMA has identified the long-term human health danger for those manufacturing, spraying or loading 1080 baits, and posed by the poison's dispersion within waterways. There is evidence that points to reproductive effects such as reduced fertility and possible toxic effects on the heart.

"These are extremely important areas of concern, which I hope will not be swept under the table when ERMA finally publishes its full report later this year," concluded Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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