NZTPC Response to APVMA
05 April 2005
The outcome of the APVMA review of CCA is not based on sound science. It is based on the emotion which the mere mention of the word “arsenic� arouses and it is a spineless response to vocal “green� groups.
The APVMA itself acknowledges a WHO tolerable daily intake level for arsenic of 2.00 μg/kg of body weight per day and an estimated intake from playground structures of 0.12 μg/kg bw per day. The APVMA also acknowledges a dietary intake of 0.50 μg/kg bw per day.
In other words APVMA has decided to restrict CCA treated timber use on the basis that it may account for just 6% of the WHO tolerable daily intake of arsenic. The daily intake from drinking water and food accounts for 25% of the WHO figure. Do we ban eating and drinking?
TPC is deeply disappointed with the APVMA’s decision and its lack of scientific rigour. This is not an acceptable way to determine public policy.