Endosulfan use just tip of toxic iceberg

Green Party MP Sue Kedgley says she was horrified to learn at the ERMA public hearing today that the highly toxic insecticide endosulfan is being widely used on privately owned sports fields, bowling greens, croquet lawns and golf courses around New Zealand.

Ms Kedgley made a submission calling for a ban on the use of endolsulfan in New Zealand at the ERMA hearings on its reassessment of endosulfan.

“Prior to my submission, the Turf Association confirmed that endolsulfan is widely used on privately owned sports grounds around the country, as well as Council owned sports venues.

“It is also widely used on privately owned bowling greens, croquet grounds, rugby fields and even stadiums, according to the Turf Association.

“Most golfers and bowlers would have no idea that they are being exposed to a highly toxic insecticide. Surely they have a right to know and not to be exposed.

“This raises the question as to whether or not schools are also using endosulfan on their sports grounds. ERMA says it doesn’t know whether they are using it or not,” Ms Kedgley says.

“There is absolutely no need for children to be put at risk by the use of this toxic chemical, when the problem can be safely treated by simply altering the acidity of the soil, and creating an environment the earthworms don’t like,” Ms Kedgley says

“The distributor - Agronica - told the hearing board today they themselves do not support the use of endosulfan on turf,” Ms Kedgley says.

“Endosulfan has been linked to breast cancer, birth defects, behavioural conditions and Parkinson’s disease. It affects the central nervous system, and long term exposure has also been shown to affect the kidneys, liver and reproductive systems.

“It is well known that endosulfan is highly toxic to aquatic life; it does not break down, and is readily passed along the food chain. Levels in mammals at the top of the aquatic food chain, such as whales, dolphins and seals, are increasing.”