Exposure to PCP 'still causes sickness'

Rotorua's Shay Morrison didn't know his job was making him ill until it was too late.
The former Waipa Mill worker said he was exposed daily to the "deadly" antisapstain chemical pentachlorophenol or PCP, used to treat the timber. He worked at the mill from 1978-1985.
"They just gave us some safety clothing, overalls and a mask and away we went. We weren't only exposed to it, we practically ate it."
Different processes are used now, including heating the timber and using dioxin-free chemicals.
In 1992, Forestry Corporation of New Zealand spent $3 million cleaning up Waipa Mill but Mr Morrison said it was too late for those who had already been exposed.
"We were all told it was safe and the bosses weren't worried about it, all they were worried about was the production," he said.
"Not long after I started I began scratching all over my body and a rash had developed.
"We kept on working because we had to survive, but they [management] never told us until years later there was something wrong when they noticed everyone was reporting some sort of sickness.
"I was given medication by the mill doctor but he never said what might be causing it. The medication made it worse - I still get the rash and welts today."
PCP exposure symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fever, sweating and weakness and the body temperature may rise to high levels. There is also a severe skin condition, chloracne, like acne in appearance but often more widespread.
"Hundreds who have worked at Waipa Mill would have been exposed to it and wouldn't have realised the health problems they're suffering was connected."
Mr Morrison said he knew former workmates who had died with PCP exposure-related symptoms.
A public meeting is planned by the Whakatane branch of Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (SWAP) in Rotorua for any mill workers and their families who think they may be affected by PCP exposure.
Guest speakers include SWAP Whakatane co-ordinator Joe Harawira, secretary of the National Distribution Union Rawiri Daniels and Mr Morrison. It is also an opportunity for former mill workers to register to receive free medical checks by local doctors who are familiar with the symptoms of PCP poisoning. A time and place for the meeting are still yet to be set.
For more information call Mr Morrison on 027 553 9581.