March 17, 2003
The Environmental Risk Management Authority confirmed today the release date of its study on copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA) in treated timber. The expected release date of the study is late April 2003.
ERMA New Zealand commissioned public health consultant, Dr Deborah Read, to undertake the study in November 2002. The purpose of the study was to look at both the Maas report (see below) and other available information on public health issues arising from the use of CCA in timber treatment.
Bas Walker, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand says, "The expected timing of the release allows for the draft study to be peer reviewed by toxicology and public health experts and to then be considered by the Authority." The most recent information included in the study is that from the February 2003 US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) briefing package on CCA treated timber in playground equipment. The three peer reviewers are:
- Dr Michael Beasley, Medical Toxicologist, National Poisons Centre, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago;
- Dr Donald Campbell, Medical Officer of Health, Midcentral Health, Palmerston North; and
- Dr Peter Di Marco, Principal Toxicologist, Western Australia Department of Health, Perth, Western Australia.
The Maas Report is a report by American Scientist, Dr Richard Maas, focussing on the use of CCA in timber treatment which raised concerns about the safety of treated timber in New Zealand late last year. Timber treated with CCA has been in widespread use in New Zealand for many years.
Further information:
Julie Watson,
Manager, Communications.
Tel: +64 4 918 4824.
Mob:+64 4 021 674 954.