Wednesday 31 January 2007

Human health risk strengthens call for 1080 moratorium

United Future MP Gordon Copeland has strengthened his call for a moratorium on the aerial application of 1080 poison, citing possible risks to human health as a further justification for his stance.

"I have written to the Minister for the Environment seeking an immediate moratorium and have requested that he use his legislative powers to at least temporarily suspend the aerial application of 1080.

"Given the legal position of 1080 under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 I am also seeking a response from the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) on the action they intend to take.

"The wording of the Act is quite clear: 'All persons exercising the functions, powers, and duties under the Act…shall take into account the need for caution in managing adverse effects where there is scientific and technical uncertainty about those effects.'

"Just the mere fact that 1080 is undergoing a reassessment illustrates that there is a good deal of scientific and technical uncertainty over the dangers of this poison, in which case the only sensible thing to do is to place a moratorium on the aerial application of 1080, at least until the reassessment is completed.

"From the communication that I have had with various people, including doctors, I know that there is a growing unease about the possible consequences to long-term human health," said Mr Copeland.

"The 'A Shadow of Doubt' documentary which has been submitted to ERMA as part of the reassessment process explains very clearly the concerns of many local communities exposed to the aerial dumping of 1080," concluded Mr Copeland.

30 January 2007

Hon. David Benson-Pope Minister for the Environment PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Dear Minister,

Re: 1080 Moratorium

I attach hereto a copy of my press release dated 25 January 2007 calling for a moratorium on the aerial application of 1080 pending reassessment by ERMA. This will be self explanatory.

I understand that the documentary “A Shadow of Doubt” is scheduled to be broadcast on Maori television and should that occur then it will undoubtedly, in my view, lead to a public call for the aerial application of 1080 to be banned immediately.

I note too that the HSNO Act 1996 legislates a precautionary approach to the management of adverse effects from hazardous substances where there is scientific and technical uncertainty about those effects.

With all good wishes,

Yours sincerely

Gordon Copeland MP
United Future

ENDS

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