Goff defends stance on removal of toxic mould

By FRANCESCA MOLD polictical reporter

The Government yesterday rejected accusations it had failed to adequately inform people about how to safely remove toxic mould found in leaky homes.

Researchers this week found that the toxin-producing stachybotrys fungus was present in some homes with leaky building syndrome. The fungus has been linked to rashes, breathing problems and chronic chest infections among home owners.

The Government said on Monday it would carefully consider the research, but would not rush into issuing advice to people until experts had reviewed the findings.

That stance was criticised by Opposition MPs, who said guidelines on the safe removal of the toxic mould must be issued urgently to avoid health risks.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) joined in that criticism yesterday, saying employers and employees cleaning up toxic mould wanted to see more Government urgency and decisiveness.

"The Government's repeated concerns over public health and safety don't square with its lack of action on the matter," said EMA (Northern) spokesman Alasdair Thompson.

Comprehensive guidelines were urgently needed for homeowners, builders and their employees.

But the Government's duty minister, Phil Goff, yesterday pointed to a workplace health bulletin sent by Occupational Safety and Health to employers in November, and a Ministry of Health warning published at the same time, as evidence the Government was taking concerns about the mould seriously.

Both agencies had issued detailed advice on the risks of toxic mould and precautions that should be taken when removing it.

Mr Goff said the Health Research Council also was funding a survey of the effect of damp and mould on respiratory health.

The Ministry of Health had asked HortResearch microbiologist Nick Waipara for a copy of his research into toxic mould. The information had not yet been received.

"This is not a confrontational situation. Everyone needs to work together to ensure that the best advice possible is given to the public on how to deal with the mould," Mr Goff said. Advice would be altered if officials found the new research raised fresh information about the mould.

Dr Waipara said he found the fungus of the stachybotrys species - sometimes called "toxic mould" - in 170 homes. In some cases, people in those homes had reported illness. Tests had also found other toxic fungi growing with stachybotrys.

His survey is claimed to be the first solid link made in New Zealand between toxic moulds and human illness.

Green MP Sue Kedgley, who sits on a Parliamentary select committee investigating the leaky buildings crisis, said the OSH guidelines needed to be broadened and widely disseminated.

* If you have information about leaking buildings,
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Herald feature: Leaky buildings

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