Wellington, Feb 1 NZPA - Concerns that the fumigation of logs and lumber might be linked to motor neurone disease have no scientific basis, says the forest industry.

The Council of Trade Unions is calling for the use of methyl bromide to be completely banned in New Zealand as evidence mounts that it puts worker health and safety at serious risk. Methyl bromide is used for the pre-export fumigation of logs.

Wellington, Jan 25 NZPA - Scientists are investigating whether methyl bromide -- used to fumigate some exported goods -- may be linked to the death of four Nelson port workers.

Wellington, Nov 6 NZPA - Proposals by staff at the national regulatory watchdog on hazardous chemicals for continued use of methyl bromide are "reckless" with little regard for human and environmental safety, a lobbyist says.

Wellington, Nov 5 NZPA - Proposals by environmental risk advisers to allow port companies, log exporters and other users to continue venting poisonous methyl bromide to the atmosphere for another 10 years have been criticised by the Green Party.