MEDIA RELEASE
19 SEPTEMBER 2008
ERMA New Zealand Calls For Public Submissions On Methyl Parathion
Public submissions on the use of insecticide methyl parathion are being called for by ERMA New Zealand as part of its
strategic hazardous substances review and reassessment programme which aims to reduce risk to people and the
environment.
Reassessments Manager Mike Morris said information had been gathered on the human health and environmental risks
associated with methyl parathion, and incorporated into an application document which was now publicly available on the
ERMA New Zealand website, www.ermanz.govt.nz
"The application document contains a preliminary recommendation to prohibit methyl parathion, based on the initial
research," Mike Morris said.
"Nevertheless, the recommendation should not be considered to be the outcome of the reassessment. The application simply
opens a discussion with the public, and information from the public, industry, and other interested parties forms an
important part of the reassessment process. All information submitted will be considered by the Environmental Risk
Management Authority when it makes its decision."
Methyl parathion is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide used overseas on a wide range of crops, including
grain, vegetables and fruit. There are two approvals for its use in New Zealand, but there are currently no products
containing it on the market.
Methyl parathion has been subject to review internationally in recent years. The European Union banned it in plant
protection products in 2003, and the United States' Environmental Protection Agency recently cancelled the approval to
use methyl parathion on a number of crops.
Members of the public and other interested parties have until Monday 3 November 2008 to make a submission. This can be
made in writing, either by letter, email, or through the ERMA website. If submitters request it, there could be public
hearings before any decision is made.
ENDS