Endosulfan banned in New Zealand

Cancer group delighted with ban
5:00AM Wednesday Dec 17, 2008
By Eloise Gibson

Breast cancer prevention advocates hope a decision to ban a toxic insect spray will save some New Zealanders from getting cancer.

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) banned the pesticide endosulfan on Monday, effective from January 16.

The Breast Cancer Network said yesterday it was “delighted” with the decision to ban endosulfan from use on parks, playing fields and crops. It believes exposing children to the spray may have played a role in New Zealand’s high levels of breast cancer.

Endosulfan is an insecticide used to control worms in playing fields and other insects on food crops such as citrus, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and sweetcorn. It is one of a group of pesticides – including DDT – which doctors believe may interfere with humans’ hormone systems.

Experts do not agree on whether the chemical is linked to cancer.

An endosulfan fact sheet by the Queensland Government said there was no clinical evidence it caused cancer or disrupted the hormone system.

However, opponents of the chemical say it causes hormone disruptions that are linked to breast cancer, endometriosis, male breast enlargement and delayed sexual maturity.

An Erma report prepared for the review of endosulfan said the chemical could adversely affect the nervous system, liver and kidneys of humans.

The greatest risk is to people who handle endosulfan in their work.

Endosulfan is banned in about 50 countries but a recent Green Party investigation found 18 of New Zealand’s 85 councils were still using it.

Green MP Sue Kedgley said pesticide campaigners were thrilled Erma had ruled to ban the chemical.

However, she said the Government needed a wider strategy to reduce pesticides if New Zealand was going to keep its clean, green image.

Endosulfan has been linked with the poisoning of agricultural workers and villagers in Benin, Indonesia, India and Thailand. Last year the Food Safety Authority prosecuted Waimauku’s Carl Houghton for using the spray on cattle at his farm, after residues were found in a shipment of beef exports to Korea in 2005.