Tuesday, 06 November 2018 09:23

Insecticides to go under the microscope

Written by 
Fiona Thomas-Carter. Fiona Thomas-Carter.

The Environmental Protection Authority is to investigate products containing synthetic pyrethroids as part of its revamped reassessments announced in mid-October.

Synthetic pyrethroids are insecticides found in some animal flea collars and animal health treatments, such as flystrike and lice control.

The EPA has called for information as it seeks more detail, from New Zealand households and commercial users, on how and where products containing these substances are being used.

“Synthetic pyrethroids are hazardous substances.  They should be used with care and product label instructions strictly followed,” says EPA’s general manager hazardous substances group, Dr Fiona Thomson-Carter. 

“New information from international regulators in the US, Canada and the EU has identified certain risks to people and animals from the use of products containing synthetic pyrethroids.  These warrant further investigation.”

She says these concerns are about risks to children from accidental exposure to flea collars and treated carpets, and about people reporting a burning or prickling sensation, known as paraesthesia, after coming into contact with synthetic pyrethroids.

“It is important to clarify that synthetic pyrethroids, and products that contain them, are not banned. The call for information signals the EPA’s first step in exploring whether a reassessment is necessary. 

“The public, industry and manufacturers of the chemicals can support our call for information by completing a response form on our website which will help us build a more detailed picture about their use in NZ.

“We have also issued a caution notice which provides concerned members of the public with up-to-date guidance about the safe use of products that contain synthetic pyrethroids,” Thomson-Carter said.

“The call for information will close on February 1, 2019. Once this is completed, the EPA will use this information to determine the next steps.”

 

More like this

EPA clarifies GMO definition, researchers happy

Researchers are celebrating an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ruling that removes restrictions on the use of null segregants- descendants from genetically modified organisms but do not contain genetic modifications themselves.

Glyphosate use under review?

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is deciding whether there are grounds to reasses the use of the herbicide glyphosate in NZ.

EPA back at Fieldays

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says it aims to highlight innovation and empower people to act now in the interests of the planet with its Sharing Shed exhibit at this year’s National Fieldays.

Public round up on glyphosate

The country's environmental regulator agency has released the public feedback it has received on the glyphosate weed killer - commonly known as Roundup.

High jump for Hi-Cane?

A Northland grower wants the horticulture sector to show stronger leadership in opposing a proposal to ban the chemical Hi-Cane.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter