New Zealand Timber Industry Federation

18 March 2005

New Zealand Timber Industry Federation

“The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation is extremely disappointed at the outcome of the APVMA’s decision to phase out the use of CCA (copper, chrome, arsenate) treated timber in domestic applications.

“The APVMA has obviously been captured by an extreme interest group who, in spite of scientific knowledge to the contrary, have managed to convince the Authority that CCA treated timber is somehow a hazard to human health.

“The timber treatment industry submitted to APVMA a report summarising the existing body of world wide scientific opinion on CCA written by the two most eminent toxicologists in Australasia; Dr Wayne Temple, Director of the New Zealand National Poisons Centre and Dr Peter Di Marco, Principal of Benchmark Toxicology services, Perth, WA.

“This report concluded that, “In the context of possible adverse health effects through exposure to CCA treated wood, the scientific evaluation is clear – there simply is no significant risk”.

“And yet APVMA chose to disregard this report.

“APVMA cannot scientifically justify its conclusions on this matter and must be subject to judicial review.

“Fortunately New Zealand’s ERMA has recently reviewed the product and could not find any reason to restrict its use; i.e. it was declared safe.

ENDS

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