Chemical toilets cause concern

There are concerns toxic chemicals from thousands of portable toilets in Christchurch will cause harm to the city's already-stressed wastewater treatment system.

By next month over 40,000 chemical toilets will have been distributed to residents.

Green MP Kennedy Graham says while we are told the toilets don't contain formaldehyde, it seems the chemicals used can transform into it.

He says formaldehyde has been banned in some countries for use in toilets.

"The knee-jerk reaction is just to look for overseas assistance and take whatever chemicals come and we may look to regret that," he says.

Mr Graham says we should be looking at a more natural solution.

- NEWSTALK ZB