Response to Greens: Councils not putting health at risk

For immediate release on 2 October 2008

Councils would never knowingly use any product which could endanger human health, the President of Local Government New Zealand

Lawrence Yule said today in response to the statement by the Green Party on the use of the insecticide endosulfan by councils on sports fields.

"Council staff understand health and safety issues. They only use products that are allowed in this country and that are fit for the purpose they are

made for. Council staff also follow any instructions and conditions applicable to chemical products

"The council staff who have been surveyed on the use of endosulfan have explained how its use is strictly controlled, application rates are as per label instruction and only suitably qualified staff are allowed to apply it."

"The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is currently carrying a reassessment of the use of the insecticide endosulfan. ERMA New Zealand's reassessment application includes preliminary recommendations that endosulfan be prohibited from aerial use, domestic use, and for airblast application to citrus, and also that increased restrictions and controls be placed on all other uses.

"It is ERMA New Zealand's role, as the Government regulatory body, to make recommendations on the use of endosulfan. If the reassessment

changes the requirements for the use of endosulfan in New Zealand, councils will adapt their use of the product or not use it at all, said Mr Yule.

ENDS

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