The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has welcomed a new report into methamphetamine contamination in residential properties in the country, describing it as a “clear and strong analysis” of the issue.
The report, produced by the Prime Minister’s chief science advisor professor Sir Peter Gluckman, suggests there is currently no evidence that meth levels typically resulting from third-hand exposure to smoking residues on household surfaces can elicit an adverse health effect.
“It is refreshing to see well-informed objective research that shines a light on a problem that has caused confusion,” ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton said. “There has been a lot of scare-mongering and uncertainty for tenants, landlords and insurers.”
Grafton said the clean-up Standard NZS 8510: 2017 was a good step forward for raising levels and creating a separation between the testers and the clean-up companies to resolve conflicts. However, he noted, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve the analysis of health implications.
“It will be important that there is a single level that applies across all regulation including the update of the existing standard,” he added.
The ICNZ said it will make a submission and hopes that the government moves quickly to review the situation.
