Review to study effect of spraying

By WAYNE THOMPSON

An independent review of the health effects of aerial spraying in Auckland will start within a month, says the Ministry of Health.

An independent researcher would be contracted to review scientific papers on the health impacts of spraying and to seek views from residents with health concerns about the spray, the Director-General of Health, Dr Karen Poutasi, said yesterday.

The findings would be given to the Director of Public Health who would advise Health Minister Annette King.

Aerial spraying began in west Auckland in January last year as part of the painted apple moth eradication campaign.

Anti-spray groups have complained to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry about widespread health concerns of residents in the spray zone.

The ministry says its medical and scientific specialists believe the spray is safe.

But in a study published this month, Auckland University researchers described finding a rise in the number of people experiencing stomach, breathing and neurological problems since spraying began.

The study, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, said the finding did not prove the symptoms were caused by the spray.

The Health Ministry's move was welcomed by Spray-free Coalition spokeswoman Rachel Wapenaar.

"We knew all along that residents are suffering," she said.

"It has been very hard to convince the Government to do anything about this."

But another anti-spray campaigner, Hana Blackmore, questioned why it took 15 months and several reports before the Health Ministry got the message.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, said the review was in response to community concern and the need, with the possibility of further pests coming into the country, to ensure measures taken for the painted apple moth spraying were adequate.

Dr Tukuitonga said he was "reasonably comfortable" with measures already taken.