Danger posed by methyl bromide is nationwide

Fumigation with methyl bromide should not be allowed in any urban or residential areas, in the wake of findings that Nelson residents may have been exposed to dangerous levels of the highly toxic gas, Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"It is alarming — and utterly predictable - that residents living near to a methyl bromide fumigation facility in Nelson were exposed to this toxic gas at double the alleged safety limit," Ms Kedgley says.

"We know that this is a dangerous and damaging gas, especially to the lungs and nervous system. It can be fatal, and chronic exposure through the air has been associated with a range of neurological effects. It is frankly irresponsible for the Government to allow it take place near residential dwellings.

"The Greens believe that methyl bromide fumigation should only be permitted in dedicated sites that are located in industrial zones, and only on condition that all the gas used is recaptured," Ms Kedgley says.

"At present, methyl bromide fumigation can take place in specified locations all around New Zealand, many in residential areas. And there is no requirement for fumigators to inform nearby residents that they are using the highly toxic gas."

"Fumigation trucks turn up to containers located around New Zealand, place tubes containing methyl bromide into containers, leave them for a period time, then open the container doors and the gas is released into the atmosphere," Ms Kedgley says.

"There is no monitoring taking place to ensure that the amount of methyl bromide being released into the atmosphere is at a level that is allegedly safe.

'At the very least, the fumigators should be obliged to warn residents when a highly toxic gas is being used next to, or near their homes, and then released into the atmosphere."