Ministry's health report clears moth spray

A report on the effects on human health of aerial spraying of the insecticide Foray 48B on human health shows no unexpected concerns about its use, says the Health Ministry.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry this week began spraying West Hamilton with the insecticide to eradicate the asian gypsy moth.

The programme was approved after one moth was found in suburban Frankton.

Parts of Auckland have been sprayed to eradicate the painted apple moth.

Residents of both cities have complained that the spraying causes health problems and want it stopped.

The Health Ministry and Maf have repeatedly said it is safe and would continue.

People who have extreme reactions to the spray have been moved from the affected zones while spraying is done.

The ministry commissioned a report from toxicologists, epidemiologists and public health medicine specialists, when plans to spray Hamilton were announced.

"There is no new information which identified anything unexpected or unanticipated, but before the report is finalised there is some work to be completed to tell us about specific estimates on effects to the Waikato population," the ministry's public health programmes manager, Graeme Gillespie, said yesterday.

The report summarised information from a variety of sources.

They included health risk assessments prepared for the two aerial sprays in Auckland and for moth control programmes in North America and Europe, research on the biological, ecological and human health effects of the organism used in the spray, and health surveillance and research information.

It also included reports and community reaction related to the painted apple moth programme, and analysis of issues raised about the spraying in New Zealand.

The report allowed the ministry to review the original health risk assessments which were done in response to spraying in Auckland, "and to extend some facets of the assessment in relation to community concerns", Mr Gillespie said.

"We realise the imposition this programme will have on the general community and know that for some people there are some unpleasant short-term effects from this spray.

"Maf has contracted an independent health service to assist those people in minimising the effects on their health."

The ministry had also called tenders for the development of a health risk assessment for Btk-based insecticides that might be used in aerial spray programmes against pests.

Aucklanders concerned about their health since the painted apple moth programme could send written submissions to the Wellington Medical School.

Mr Gillespie said the ministry would continue to monitor the health effects on Hamilton people, and if there was concern action would be taken.

The first day's spraying in Hamilton drew more than 1000 calls from residents, but Maf agriquality biosecurity director Robert Isbister said conditions "couldn't have been better".

Spraying was completed an hour sooner than expected.

A resident in the spray zone, Kevin McNeil, called the Maf helpline yesterday, saying he had been coughing and had irritated eyes after putting his rubbish out.

Mr McNeil said he had "suffered badly" with a dry throat and sore eyes but could not get an appointment with a Maf doctor until Monday.

Entire families have moved out of Hamilton until the end of the year to avoid the spray.

Others have staged protests, including launching balloons, but police say balloons can endanger pilots and those responsible could be prosecuted.

The next spray day is planned for Wednesday.

What the spray does

* Maf uses an insecticide called Foray 48B to destroy pest invaders.

* Used in spray form, it is made up of water and a naturally occurring bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk).

* The Btk produces a protein which suppresses a caterpillar's appetite and kills it within 7 to 10 days.

Is the spray dangerous?

* The spray is sticky, and can have an unpleasant smell.

* Some people may find it causes temporary stinging to the eyes and throat.

* It can also trigger asthma and some allergies.

- NZPA