OSH Report into Asian Gypsy Moth Spraying

Friday 28 November 2003

The report from an OSH investigation of MAF processes for identifying and managing people who have had negative health reactions to the Asian Gypsy Moth programme in Waikato has confirmed that the spray is essentially safe for public use. As has always been known there are, however, a few individuals who will experience allergies, respiratory problems or skin sensitivities as a result of exposure to the spray.

Fraser High School in the Waikato has reported a disproportionately high number of staff who have experienced irritant effects, asthma and problems associated with food allergies. Those allergies to the food components of the spray put some individuals at risk, OSH found. It is highly unusual to get a number of these people in the same place. Such a high degree of sensitivity to the spray is extremely rare, according to OSH's Acting General Operations Manager, Keith Stewart.

"Fraser High School unfortunately has a number of these people with rare food allergies", he says. "OSH carried out investigations to check whether the processes and systems MAF was using for people suffering from those allergies needed to be improved."

Following OSH's investigations, the systems have been extended to identify workplaces that have a grouping of affected employees. MAF has improved the way health conditions are diagnosed and managed, and now looks more closely at where they are grouped together.

"There will always be a small group of people affected by spraying. It is very important that they contact their GP if they have any problems, and MAF medical staff are in contact with local GPs to provide assistance and information", says Keith Stewart.