Port workers to be tested for methyl bromide levels

A Port Nelson stevedoring company is to begin blood testing its workers for traces of methyl bromide, amid calls for an official inquiry into use of the toxic gas as a fumigant.

Four Nelson widows, whose husbands died from the degenerative brain disorder motor neurone disease after years of working for businesses based at the port, are calling for the inquiry.

They said six former port workers had contracted the rare fatal illness, five of whom were already dead.

The women believe the deaths may be linked to use of the fumigant.

Nelson medical officer of health Ed Kiddle said he and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) had begun seeking information on the work history of the dead men.

They would consider the information next month before deciding the next step, he said.

"Given the ongoing concern coming from people who have been affected by this illness, it's appropriate to look at this issue again and see if it warrants investigation further."

Methyl bromide is used to kill bugs before timber is exported to Australia. The toxic gas could cause sickness, including neurological symptoms, following acute exposure, Dr Kiddle said.

Stevedoring Services Nelson (SSN) announced precautionary blood testing of its staff in a report to Port Nelson last week.

"As the fumigation season is upon us again shortly, SSN intended to monitor staff and the levels of methyl bromide with blood tests, and also levels of methyl bromide in vessel holds prior to any work being undertaken in Nelson," company general manager Steve Bell said.

"SSN would prefer that fumigation with methyl bromide or any other gas was not undertaken at all.

"However, as long as there is a statutory export requirement ... we will continue to make our facilities available for this activity."

Mr Bell said blood tests would be offered to its 40 permanent employees.

The firm also planned to employ an independent assessor to monitor "leaching" in ships' hulls from fumigated timber loaded at other ports, he said.

Port Nelson chief executive Martin Byrne said fumigated areas were closely monitored and the gas was discharged under strict protocols approved by the Nelson City Council and Public Health.

He said blood tests had been carried out on six Port Nelson staff directly involved with fumigation for several years, with no readings above normal levels.

This was the first time a Port Nelson stevedoring company had begun testing its workers, he said.

Port Nelson environmental consultative committee member Rachel Reese said she had "serious concerns" about the apparent cluster of motor neurone disease deaths at the port and called on the Government to fund an investigation into methyl bromide use.

The number of deaths from the disease among people who had worked at the port was "very disturbing", she said.

Nelson woman Sue Lindsay lost her husband, Mike Bull, to motor neurone disease in 2002 after he had worked for 15 years as a marine biologist.

She said her attempts to have his death properly investigated had been met with "arrogance and indifference" and she believed the relevant agencies were protecting their own interests.

"But if people's health is in danger, it seems like it's worthwhile investigating."

OSH Nelson service manager Brian Stratford said an OSH contractor looked into the women's claims last year but found no link between methyl bromide exposure and motor neurone disease.

However, OSH would take further action if the work now under way highlighted "workplace issues" linking the gas with the men's deaths.

- NZPA