More chemicals scrutinised in sick port workers inquiry

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is investigating whether chemicals other than methyl bromide are causing port workers to become sick following a review of fumigation processes at Port Nelson.

OSH says it is generally satisfied the methyl bromide fumigation process is safe, but Labour Department communications adviser Dionne Barton said chemicals used as solvents and preservatives in timber were now under the spotlight to see if they were harmful.

It was not yet known exactly what the chemicals were, she said.

Methyl bromide is a fumigant used to kill bugs before timber and logs are exported.

An OSH occupational hygienist last week reviewed fumigation processes at the port following ongoing concerns about the effects of methyl bromide.

A Holcim cement worker was allegedly poisoned after exposure to high levels earlier this month, and a complaint was laid with OSH after five workers suffered headaches and burning around their mouths during a fumigation in February.

The hygienist spoke to two groups of port employees about the working environment, blood testing and health effects of methyl bromide.

A draft copy of the fumigation process review is expected to be complete early next month but some people are welcoming the early findings.

Tauranga-based fumigation company Genera chief executive Greg Roberts said he had not seen the hygienist's report but described OSH's statements as a vindication of its operations.

"We never expected problems. There have never been any problems."

Genera knew everything about the chemicals it used in its process, but could not control what chemicals were used when timber was treated before it arrived at the port.

Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne said he also had not seen the hygienist's report, but he was comfortable that satisfactory processes were followed.

Meanwhile, three Nelson widows and one ex-wife are also claiming a link between methyl bromide and their husbands' contraction of motor neurone disease.

Nelson medical officer of health Ed Kiddle is currently conducting a cluster study into the possible link. Those results are also expected early next month.

- NZPA