26 Nov 2009

Later deadline for methyl bromide submissions

5:48 am on 26 November 2009

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) has agreed to extend the deadline for public submissions on the use of the fumigant methyl bromide by two months.

The decision follows a request from the Council of Trade Unions.

ERMA is reviewing the use of the ozone-depleting gas as part of a wider reassessment of agrichemicals. It has already released a preliminary recommendation calling for tighter controls on its use.

Methyl bromide is primarily used for the quarantine and pre-shipment treatment of timber, logs and other produce being exported or imported, in order to kill a wide range of pests.

Last year, ERMA decided there were grounds to reassess the substance because its use was increasing and there was community concern about the health risks.

The public now has until mid-February to make submissions.