Workers exposed to PCP asked to come forward

Media Release

3 February 2009

Former timber workers exposed to PCP asked to come forward
 

Allen and Clarke Policy and Regulatory Specialists Ltd (Allen & Clarke) today released the terms of reference for a project to design and consult widely on a possible support service for workers in the timber industry who were historically exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP).

PCP is a chemical that was used as an anti-sap stain treatment in the New Zealand timber industry between the 1950s and 1980s.  The chemical was used at certain stages in timber processing only and has not been used in the industry for over 20 years.

Recent research (McLean et al 2008) has shown that most timber workers had low exposure to PCP and had mortality rates similar to or less than, national death rates.  However, about 10 percent of timber workers were more highly exposed to PCP or worked for more than 10 years in the industry.  While their numbers were too small for an assessment of specific health problems, the findings suggested a possible increase in physical and neuropsychological conditions.  This also includes a small non-significant increase in cancer mortality similar to that found in other studies on dioxin and health outcomes.  Workers exposed to PCP also had higher levels of dioxins in their blood than the other people in the study and other New Zealanders.

The Ministry of Health has asked Allen & Clarke to:

look into what exposures to PCP took place in the New Zealand timber industry
review the evidence on the health conditions associated with exposure to PCP
interview a range of experts and interested parties over the types of services that might be available to and/or required by former timber workers
develop criteria for who should be able to access any service that is proposed
make recommendations on the scope of a support service, and
make recommendations on education and information needs for health professionals helping former timber workers.

Allen & Clarke recently assisted with the design of a health support service for residents and workers in Paritutu (New Plymouth) who were exposed to dioxin from the manufacture of 2,4,5-T at the Ivon Watkins Dow agrichemical plant in the 1960s to 1980s.  This service was implemented by the Ministry of Health and the Taranaki District Health Board from July 2008.

Matthew Allen, Director of Allen & Clarke, was quick to point out that while there are some lessons to be learned from the process used in Paritutu project, a one-size-fits-all service is not supported.

“Timber workers have been exposed to different chemicals in their workplaces and are likely to have quite different needs and expectations.”

There will be formal consultation with former timber workers on possible health service options, as well as other possible support services.  This will happen later in 2009.

Mr Allen said, however, that: “Interested parties should not feel they must wait for this formal consultation period: we are encouraging people to come forward at any time to let us know their suggestions and views or to point us to relevant information or to people to speak with”.

Even if people have nothing they want to contribute immediately, however, Allen & Clarke is asking former timber workers who were exposed to PCP to register their interest in being consulted on the shape of the future service.

“Former timber workers of course live all across the country.  It is therefore going to be quite difficult to approach everyone.  We will be contacting employer and employee groups, unions, and other agencies to assist with spreading the news that this project is underway.  However, if you are a former timber worker who worked with PCP, then do please contact us to register your details and we will then be able to consult with you when we have some proposals for your consideration”.

The formal terms of reference for the project are available on Allen & Clarke’s website at www.allenandclarke.co.nz.  Further updates will be posted there, or sent direct to those who have registered an interest.

Allen & Clarke will also be working closely with the Whakatane-based group Sawmill Workers Against Poisons, a group established to support former timber workers in Whakatane.  A possible pilot support service is being investigated by SWAP and, if established, could be reviewed alongside other support service options developed by the project team in consultation with interested parties.
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