The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for information on the use of the herbicide glyphosate in New Zealand.
This weed killer has been used by home gardeners, farmers, and councils in New Zealand since the 1970s. Although it is commonly known as the active ingredient in Roundup, there are 89 mixtures containing glyphosate that are approved for use in this country.
We are seeking information from New Zealanders – including industry and the general public – about the manufacture, importation, and patterns of use of glyphosate in this country, as well as information on the availability of alternatives, and any impacts on Māori.
Source: Environmental Protection Authority
New Zealand is now using the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), an internationally agreed way of classifying chemicals. It captures physical hazards such as flammability, human health hazards such as skin irritation, and environmental hazards such as how toxic a chemical is in water.
The changes primarily require importers and manufacturers to update their hazard classification, labelling, and safety data sheets. Consumers should start to see the GHS pictograms appearing on product labels, as New Zealand’s chemical labelling aligns with the rest of the world.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has led the three-year project, engaging with the European Chemicals Agency, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), domestic regulators and stakeholders including industry and the public.
Friday, 30 April 2021, 11:56 am
The new regime for classifying hazardous substances is
now in effect, in the interests of making it safer for New
Zealanders using chemicals.
New Zealand is now using
the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), an internationally
agreed way of classifying chemicals. It captures physical
hazards such as flammability, human health hazards such as
skin irritation, and environmental hazards such as how toxic
a chemical is in water.
The changes primarily require
importers and manufacturers to update their hazard
classification, labelling, and safety data sheets. Consumers
should start to see the GHS pictograms appearing on product
labels, as New Zealand’s chemical labelling aligns with
Press Release – Environmental Protection Authority The new regime for classifying hazardous substances is now in effect, in the interests of making it safer for New Zealanders using chemicals. New Zealand is now using the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), an internationally agreed way of classifying …
The new regime for classifying hazardous substances is now in effect, in the interests of making it safer for New Zealanders using chemicals.
New Zealand is now using the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7), an internationally agreed way of classifying chemicals. It captures physical hazards such as flammability, human health hazards such as skin irritation, and environmental hazards such as how toxic a chemical is in water.
tom dillane/Stuff
In 2015, the active ingredient found in Roundup – glyphosate – was classified as being probably carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. (File photo) While approved for use in the EU, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are currently reviewing the classification and approval of glyphosate. Their conclusions are expected to be released in mid-2022. EPA general manager of hazardous substances and new organisms, Dr Chris Hill, said by calling for information on the chemical’s use now, the authority would be better prepared to assess the EU findings. There has been ongoing public debate about the effects of glyphosate on environmental and human health.