ERMA New Zealand’s reassessment programme is an ongoing programme which involves taking a ‘second look’ at already approved substances to reconsider the adequacy of the safety precautions, or even whether the chemicals should still be used in New Zealand.
The programme is designed to reduce risks to people and the environment. Apart from reviewing use of higher risk single substances, it will include:
- reviewing methods or types of use (such as pesticide application methods);
- reviewing groups of substances (such as domestic use substances); and
- developing use of exposure models to enable better risk assessment and mitigation decisions.
Reassessment priority list
An important element of the programme focuses on chemicals that have the most potential to cause harm. In 2007, a ‘priority’ list of 20 of the most hazardous chemicals were selected for review, following public consultation.
For an explanation of how that 'priority' list was compiled , see Chief Executive Initiated Reassessment List
Work on 12 of the 20 substances is now either underway or complete, and a number of other substances have been reviewed with the intention of updating the priority list.
The proposed updated priority list is now open for consultation and can be seen at:
The priority list is intended to be a ‘living’ list and may be changed or added to as new information comes to light. Progress on the review of the first 20 substances (listed alphabetically, not in order of priority) is as follows:
- 2,4-D, its salts and esters and related formulations
- Acephate and its formulations (grounds application 09/10)
- Azinphos methyl and its formulations (review underway)
- Anti-fouling paints (grounds application 09/10)
- Benomyl and carbendazim and their formulations
- Carbaryl and its formulations
- Chlorothalonil and its formulations
- Chlorpyrifos and its formulations;
- Diazinon and its formulations (grounds application 09/10)
- Dichlorvos and its formulations (review underway)
- Dimethoate and its formulations
- Endosulfan and its formulations (approvals revoked)
- Fenitrothion and its formulations
- Methamidophos (60%) and its formulations (grounds application 09/10)
- Methyl bromide (review underway)
- Methylarsinic acid and its formulations (approvals revoked)
- Methyl parathion and its formulations (approvals revoked)
- Paraquat and its formulations
- Pentachlorophenol and its salt (review completed; approvals revoked)
- Trichlorfon and its formulations (review underway)
It is intended that the review programme will eventually also address the safe use of workplace chemicals such as solvents and volatile compounds and household chemicals. It is also intended that the programme will involve review of more general issues of concern, for example, the management of pesticide spray drift and the safe use of anti-coagulant vertebrate toxic agents.