Ex-bank worker blames cash for illness

Stephanie Connell blamed her condition on green dust coming off the $20 bills that she ran through the bill counter. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A former Christchurch bank worker is blaming handling banknotes for an illness that has left her unable to work for 18 months.

After working as a teller for nearly 10 years, Stephanie Connell took a bulk teller position with Westpac in March 2007 where she worked in an unventilated vault, about the size of a double garage, constantly handling notes, The Press reported.

The 52-year-old began developing scabs in her nose and by July the following year she was suffering a range of other symptoms, including breathing difficulties, anxiety and a metallic taste.

She was bedridden for several weeks, given asthma inhalers for the breathing difficulties, anti-depressants to combat anxiety and depression, and referred to a psychiatrist.

Ms Connell blamed her condition on green dust coming off the $20 bills that she ran through the bill counter.

With the medications having no effect, she turned to the internet and found her symptoms matched a multiple-chemical sensitivity syndrome.

Her general practitioner, Ted Pearson, agreed.

He told the banking workers' union Finsec: "The symptoms and harm suffered by Stephanie were the direct result of her exposure to dust and fumes whilst handling money, not from any other non-work activities or environments."

He said the illness was well-recognised in people who worked with solvents like paint, glue or other toxic sprays.

Ms Connell now lives on a sickness benefit as she continues to suffer symptoms including a body rash, exhaustion, anxiety and depression.

A Westpac spokeswoman said privacy issues meant she was unable to discuss Ms Connell's situation.

"None of the other employees who work in the bulk-cash processing room have had any health issues of this nature."

- NZPA