Abstract:
This thesis examines the use and production of the pesticide 2,4,5-T in New Zealand and its environmental and health effects. Modern agricultural systems of production are increasingly dependent on the use of pesticides to supply food for the world’s growing population. Despite the dangers associated with some of the toxicants in these pesticides, they are produced and used at a higher rate than ever before. The herbicide 2,4,5-T was contaminated with a deadly by-product called dioxin, commonly referred to as the most toxic human-made chemical in existence. Despite fears from the local community, production of this pesticide continued at the Ivon Watkins-Dow factory in New Zealand for over four decades. By the time production ceased in 1987, New Zealand was the last country in the world still manufacturing this toxic herbicide. This, and the fact that it was a voluntary decision by the company to halt production warrant further investigation. This thesis focuses on the role the New Zealand government played in regulating this pesticide and how, rather than protecting the people and the environment, they actively encouraged use through agricultural subsidies and a refusal to legislate against it. Analysing primary resources (including government reports and studies and company documents) provides insight into the motivations of the different actors. Secondary sources (including peer-reviewed studies, media articles and historical records) provide the context for understanding why dioxin is important, and why this issue is still relevant today. This thesis uses environmental sociological frameworks to explain the proliferation of toxicants in modern society, and how those in positions of economic and political power often regulate (or refuse to regulate) toxicants to the detriment of the most vulnerable. Using the historical case of 2,4,5-T, this work shows how government interest in economic growth takes precedence over public and environmental health concerns, leading to the further toxification of society. Keywords: 2,4,5-T; pesticides; agricultural policy; government policy; dioxin; environmental sociology.