The Environmental Protection Authority is seeking information on the herbicide oxadiazon to ensure the current rules for use are appropriate.
The substance can be used to stop weeds growing among specific fruit crops and in some public spaces, such as sports fields, verges, and lawns.
“We know people are using oxadiazon weedkillers in New Zealand,” says Dr Shaun Presow, Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager.
“But we want to know exactly how, where and in what ways they are being used, and if there are any risks or benefits people see when using the products,”
“This will help us decide whether we need to review the rules for using the chemical to continue protecting people and the environment.”
Oxadiazon is being reviewed as part of our reassessments work plan. This plan lists the chemicals we will review next to ensure existing rules and safety guidelines are still suitable for how they are being used.
Some of the oxadiazon products commonly used in New Zealand are:
- Exadia
- Foresite
- Bowsar
- Oracle
- Weed Weapon Preventer.
“We’re reviewing this chemical and others on our reassessments work plan as a precaution. This is an important part of our ongoing work to keep New Zealand safe,” says Dr Presow.
“By gathering more information on how oxadiazon is used, we can better understand the risks and manage them appropriately.”
The herbicide is approved for use in countries that include the Unites States and Canada, following reviews in recent years.
In the European Union, the approvals to use products containing oxadiazon expired in 2018 and have not been renewed.
Submissions close at 11.59 pm Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
Source: Environmental Protection Authority
