Doctors to study side-effects of moth spray

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The Wellington School of Medicine will study the effects of the painted apple moth spray programme on humans.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has been spraying some Auckland suburbs in an attempt to get rid of the moth.

Health Minister Annette King told Parliament yesterday a contract with the school would be signed within two weeks for the $160,000 study.

She said the study would take until September to complete.

The first part of the study would collate people's health concerns. But she said the school would also review scientific knowledge and recommend further study. Opponents have staged protests since spraying began.

The moth poses a serious threat to crops, forests and native bush. It was first discovered in West Auckland in mid-1999.