Kia ora

 

Thank you for your request for official information received on 29 March
2021 for:

 

“...with regards to the PCR tests being used in New Zealand in an attempt
to diagnose 'Covid-19';

 

1) Has Ethylene Oxide been used to sterilise the PCR tests that are used
in NZ to penetrate people's nasal cavities?

2) Is Ethylene Oxide a known carcinogen to the NZ Govt/Health Dept?

3) Are the NZ public at risk of being exposed to said known carcinogen,
having been tested?...”

 

The Ministry's reference number for your request is: H202103656.

 

As required under the Official Information Act 1982, the Ministry will
endeavour to respond to your request no later than 29 April 2021, being 20
working days after the day your request was received.

 

If we are unable to respond to your request within this time frame, we
will notify you of an extension of that time frame.

 

If you have any queries related to this request, please do not hesitate to
get in touch.

 

Ngâ mihi

 

OIA Services

Government Services

Office of the Director-General

Ministry of Health

E: [1][email address]

 

 

 

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References

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1. mailto:[email address]

Kia ora Erica

 

 

Thank you for your email received on 29 March 2021 for information on
ethylene oxide. Information in response to each part of your request is
outlined below.

 

1) Has Ethylene Oxide been used to sterilise the PCR tests that are used
in NZ to penetrate people's nasal cavities?

 

Yes, this is indicated on the swab packaging used for PCR testing.

 

2) Is Ethylene Oxide a known carcinogen to the NZ Govt/Health Dept?

 

Ethylene oxide is a surface disinfectant that is widely used in hospitals
and the medical equipment industry to replace steam in the sterilization
of heat-sensitive tools and equipment. Long term exposure to ethylene
oxide increases the risk of some cancers:

[1]www.epa.gov/hazardous-air-pollutants-ethylene-oxide/frequent-questions-health-information-about-ethylene-oxide

 

3) Are the NZ public at risk of being exposed to said known carcinogen,
having been tested?

 

Unfortunately this part of your request is refused under section 18(g) of
the OIA. Please note the primary purpose of the OIA is to allow requesters
to seek information ‘held’ by agencies. It is not a mechanism for
requesters to seek an agency’s explanation or opinion:
[2]https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/site...

 

I trust this information fulfils your request. Under section 28(3) of the
Act you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made
under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[3][email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.

 

 

Ngâ mihi

 

OIA Services Team

 

[4]Ministry of Health information releases

[5]Unite against COVID-19

 

 

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