Myths and Facts

Myths, Facts and Misinformation about 1080 Poison

DOC/AHB, etc. "Several other countries use 1080 as well as NZ."
Fact: However it is not aerially broadcast on a large scale as in NZ. The
US uses four tablepoons per annum in livestock protection collars
whereas New Zealand uses four tonnes, 90% of the world's supply.

Nick Hancox, AHB: "1080 is a relatively safe poison."
Fact: Charles Eason (Landcare scientist) - "1080 is not safe. I have never,
and will never say that." 1080 is classified as a "super poison" by the US
EPA. There is NO antidote.

DoC/AHB etc. "1080 breaks down quickly in water."
Fact: 1080 poison is highly stable, remaining stable in distilled water
indefinitely. The pure 1080 in powder form is mixed with water when
making the baits. Some water testing is flawed as 1080 bonds to
cellulose (plant material) providing a "clean" sample of filtered water.

DoC/AHB etc. "1080 is naturally occurring."
Fact: Plants produce fluoroacetic acid, but manufactured 1080 is sodium
monofluoroacetate. Mr. Eason stated (April 2002) "Anyone comparing
1080 poison with the naturally-occurring substance is stupid."

DoC/F&B. "1080 is the safest and most effective tool to save our
environment."
Fact: 1080 has the potential to kill any creature ingesting the poison
either directly, in water, or by secondary poisoning. An unacceptable
number of non-target species are killed after every aerial poison drop.

"Insects are not affected by 1080 poison." (Or what you can't see won't
hurt you. ie. what you don't look for isn't on the monitor's report.)
Fact: Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080 poison) was patented as an
insecticide in Great Britain in 1927, proving an effective contact &
systemic insecticide. However it was considered too dangerous to use!

And the oldest myth from DoC/F&B etc. "Birds bounce back."
Fact: 1080 is highly toxic to ALL avian species. U.S. Research has
proven that this lethal poison is capable of wiping out entire species.
Research has also proven that rat/mustelid populations recover quickly
while some bird populations do not.
Take a walk in a forest that has been dumped with 1080 poison - all is
still. All is silent.

WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN?
Also from the NZ Forest & Bird website:

"Being omnivores, possums also eat birds, chicks,
birds’ eggs, and insects such as
Powelliphanta (giant land snails), as well as
consuming berries and other native bird
food sources. Possums have been reported killing
adult birds such as kokako, kukupa,
and kaka."

"1080 poisoning is a humane way to kill mammalian
pests – it causes herbivores (such as possums) to die
quietly from heart failure."

"Without 1080 our forests would fall silent."
We say, with 1080 they are silent NOW!
What imaginary world are these people living in?