Health Risk Assessment - Aerial Spray

Auckland District Health Board's Public Health Protection service undertook a health risk assessment of the 2002 aerial spray programme for eradicating the Painted Apple Moth from West Auckland. The spray being used is Foray 48B, a biological insecticide which contains the spores and crystals of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk). Foray 48B has been approved for use in New Zealand by the Pesticides Board.

The main findings of the report are:

  • The spray can cause temporary irritation to the eyes, nose throat and skin
  • The spray has a strong, unpleasant odour which comes from the fermentation process involved in the spray's manufacture. Some people respond to strong odours, but the odour does not indicate any toxicity
  • People with pre-existing severe allergies to specific components in the spray (mainly to such things as soy, corn or starch which could be used in the fermentation broth) should avoid the spray. Residents are highly unlikely to develop new allergies even if exposed directly to the spray. Advice on allergies can be obtained through the MAF health service.
  • People with asthma and chronic skin conditions may find their symptoms worsen, and should ensure that their medication and management plans are up to date. This should be sufficient for most people with these conditions.
  • The inactive ingredients include remnants of the culture broth, and 7 additives which stabilise the product and assist with spraying. They are all approved for use in foods, cosmetics and/or medicines and are of low toxicity.
  • There is no indication that Btk and Foray 48B causes infections, diarrhoea, birth defects, thyroid conditions, miscarriages, premature labour, or auto-immune disorders.

Further advice can be obtained through the MAF health service, which can be accessed via the MAF help line on 0800 96 96 96.

The PDF files of the report can be downloaded either as a single file with low resolution maps, or separate files with higher resolution maps.

Maps