ERMA To Reassess Some Hazardous Substances

ERMA New Zealand To Reassess Some Hazardous Substances

ERMA New Zealand is inviting public submissions on a list of hazardous substances it is considering reassessing.

ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Rob Forlong, said reassessments were a fresh look at hazardous substances, usually following identification of new information on the substance. Reassessments can in some cases result in substances being reformulated, or their approval removed.

"A reassessment is an opportunity to ensure appropriate controls are in place to adequately manage any risks associated with a hazardous substance," Mr Forlong said.

Pesticides and formulations to be considered for reassessment include: 2,4D, its salts and esters, acephate, azinphos-methyl, benomyl and carbendazim, carbaryl, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, cyhalothrin, lambda cyhalothrin, diazinon, dichlorvos, dimethoate, endosulfan, fenitrothion, methamidophos, methylarsonic acid, methyl bromide, methyl-parathion, paraquat, and trichlorfon.

The list also includes anti-fouling paints, substances containing nonyl phenol, nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates, selected PBDE's (pentabromodiphenylether, octabromodiphenylether, and decabromodiphenylether), pentachlorophenol and its salts, perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluoroalkyl sulphonates and their salts, selected phthalic acid esters (phthalates) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (C10-C13).

Public submissions on the substances for reassessment open on 22 November 2006 and close on 30 January 2007.

The consultation document, submission forms, and FAQs can be downloaded from www.ermanz.govt.nz

Printed copies of these documents are available by phoning 0800 376 234, writing to ERMA New Zealand, PO Box 131, Wellington, or emailing louise.edwards@ermanz.govt.nz

ENDS