Local 1080 action group
INTRODUCTION TO 1080
For many years the New Zealand government has been systematically dropping massive amounts of food laced with a cruel and universally toxic poison in to our forest ecosystem. Enough poison every year to kill the entire population of New Zealand 4 times over. No other country is doing, or never has done, anything remotely similar on such a scale. Most countries banned its use outright but New Zealand still continues to use it and uses in excess of 85% of the world’s supply.
The World Health Organisation classifies 1080 as extremely hazardous.
New Zealand is one of the only countries if not the only country using aerial dropping as a form of application. The application of this pest control via aerial drops cannot be controlled. There is no way of keeping it from our waterways or controlling the carcasses of the animals that will without a doubt end up in our streams and rivers. The use of this product via air drops make it impossible to target only animals that are meant for targeting, there will be thousands of casualties including many of our native birds and your family pets.
Once the poison is ingested by an animal it is then retained in the carcass of that animal and is then capable of poisoning the next feeder down the food chain, whether that feeder be an insect, bird, animal and household pet – or even a human.
1080 is used to control introduced possums and other wild animals. However, it kills everything that breathes air, it kills everything from earth worms to elephants including native birds.
The safety data sheet (MSDS) published by the manufacturers clearly states that the removal of these carcasses should be undertaken. In areas such as the hills surrounding Eastbourne, Wainuiomata and the ranges surrounding the Orongorongo Valley will not be cleared of decaying animals. These carcasses will make their way into the streams and waterways that run through many residential properties and homes. This will put many household pets in danger of secondary poisoning.
Warning taken from OSPRI website
THIS COULD AFFECT YOU ● Warning signs will be placed at all main access points to the operational area and everyone must follow the cautions on the signs. ● You will not be able to hunt or take game from within a two kilometre radius of the operational area for human or pet consumption. It’s an offence to sell meat products that have been exposed to 1080. Hunting can resume approximately four months following the control work, or after two months if 100mm of rain has fallen. ● Dogs are particularly susceptible to 1080. They must not be allowed access to bait or poisoned carcasses which remain toxic to dogs until they have fully decomposed. Free dog muzzles will be provided on request. This could be good for Eastbourne residents within two kms of the drop.
ANIMAL CONTROL PRODUCTS LTD SAFETY DATA SHEET
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Use the pellets only for the purpose indicated and in the manner prescribed by the label. Sodium fluoroacetate may be present for many months in the carcasses of poisoned animals; thus presenting a secondary poisoning danger to carnivorous birds and mammals. Take steps to mitigate any potential non-target exposure by wildlife or domestic animals. Studies have shown that 1080 concentrations will decline within rotting carcasses through the microbial degradation of 1080. 1080 wastes are ecotoxic. Improper disposal of excess pesticide is unlawful. If wastes cannot be disposed of by use according to label instructions, contact local Regional Council or a hazardous waste advisor for guidance.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
In the event of major spills, inform the Fire Service immediately via the 111 emergency phone service, and then local health protection officers at your District Health Board or hospital. Isolate the spill area and exclude all bystanders. Take all practicable steps to manage any harmful effects of a spillage including preventing baits from entering streams or waterways. Scoop spilled baits into secure containers. Recover any undamaged bait for later use by placing in appropriately labelled containers and dispose of spoiled bait as directed below. Use a broom to collect fine material and wash down the spill area with copious water only after all spilled bait has been removed. Give consideration to possible hazards arising from washing down and ensure people, pets, livestock, wildlife and fish will not be exposed to the dilute toxic run-off.
HAZARD IDENTIFIERS
Priority Identifiers – Danger. Deadly Poison. Keep out of reach of children. Ecotoxic. Secondary Identifiers – Acutely toxic. May be fatal if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. 1080 PELLETS. 1080 Pellets Revised December 2010. Repeated oral exposure may cause reproductive or developmental damage. When handling open containers or baits, wear protective equipment as indicated below. Toxic to terrestrial vertebrates. Take measures to reduce the risk of non-target animals being exposed to the toxin either through eating baits or by scavenging the carcasses of poisoned animals. Harmful to aquatic organisms. Manage bait application rates carefully and comply with any restrictions imposed on placing baits over or near waterways. Avoid pollution of any water supply with pellets or used container.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
When handling open containers or baits, wear overalls worn outside rubber boots, and impervious rubber or PVC gloves. When loading aircraft or working in windy conditions, wear goggles and a dust mask as protection against dust entering the eyes or mouth. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using the product or handling open containers. Wash protective clothing and equipment daily after work. Remove protective clothing and wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before meals and after any contact. Store in original container, tightly closed, under lock and key and away from feed or foodstuffs. Keep out of reach of children. This product must always be under the control of an approved handler who holds a current test certificate endorsed for Class 6 and Class 9 substances.
OTHER INFORMATION SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & OTHER COMMENTS
It is strongly recommended that approved handlers carry an operable telephone, radio telephone or other means of obtaining urgent medical assistance as a precaution when using 1080 poison. Test communication systems and coverage before commencing operations. May be fatal if swallowed. Wear waterproof gloves when using 1080. Wash hands after handling pellets or animals that have been contaminated with 1080. Do not use poisoned or contaminated animals for food or feed. This product is toxic to wildlife. Birds and mammals feeding on carcasses of contaminated animals may be fatally poisoned. Take measures to minimise the chance of baits accidentally entering any body of water. Apply the product only as specified by label directions. Where practicable, the exposed bodies of all poisoned animals should be collected and destroyed by complete burning or deep burial at a landfill approved for hazardous wastes. Dehydrated carcasses may remain dangerous dogs or cats for an indefinite period. A single mouse poisoned by 1080 may contain enough poison to kill an adult dog.
Below are some websites that will give you an insight into the dangers around the use of 1080 poison
The Graf Boys video ‘Poisoning Paradise’ is a compelling and eye opening video.
Graf Boys Poisoning Paradise = http://tinyurl.com/hu25hdf
1080 causes rat plagues = http://tinyurl.com/jxexa5j
1080 Coromandel Water Supply = http://tinyurl.com/znq4ou6
The Third Wave: Poisoning the Land by W F Benfield
www.pestoff.co.nz (Manufacturers)
MSDS = http://pestoff.co.nz/msd/pellets.pdf
Fact page = http://1080science.co.nz
Health and Safety: Aerial drop safety co-ordinator – Debbie Viner: Debbie.Viner@tbfree.org.nz
Private Land Owners to contact: Graeme Butcher Graeme.butcher@gw.govt.nz