Five-year reassessment of hazardous substances
ERMA New Zealand announces five-year programme for reassessment of hazardous substances
Over the next months, ERMA New Zealand will evaluate the insecticides, azinphos-methyl, endosulfan, methyl-parathion and pentachlorophenol to determine whether there is sufficient new evidence to initiate a reassessment. Such a reassessment could change the controls or conditions placed on an approval, or withdraw the approval altogether.
ERMA New Zealand has identified a further 16 substances which they intend to look at over the next five years. These include additional pesticides, methyl bromide and anti-fouling paints. The list is reviewed each year and priorities may change if new information is obtained.
All twenty substances have been included in the Chief Executive- initiated reassessment list, after consultation with interested parties.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Rob Forlong, said the new list is part of an overall programme under which ERMA New Zealand reviews the management of hazardous substances. The programme includes ERMA initiated reassessments and applications made by external parties, such as that for 1080.
The full list of substances is available from the ERMA New Zealand website on www.ermanz.govt.nz
ENDS