Chemicals Sickened Sawmill Workers

Click Here to Add Comment

Subject:  Chemicals Sickened Sawmill Workers
Date:     Mon, 24 Jun 2002 09:04:31 -0400
From:      Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

cc:    Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov

Dear Mr. Helliker, I thought you might like to read: Chemicals Sickened Sawmill Workers.

There are claims that toxic chemicals used in a Whakatane sawmill for more than 30 years are responsible for serious health problems.

A survey of 60 workers and their families, released on Sunday, says the workers were constantly exposed to PCP, a now outlawed chemical to treat timber.

For former sawmiller, Joe Harawira, the survey simply confirms what has long been suspected.

"From our perspective we're pretty pleased. At least we've got to the stage of being recognised for the health authorities to do something about it."

As Joe has become ill, he has watched his mates too, grow sick and die with their families plagued with abnormal amounts of ill health.

The survey, carried out by the 'Sawmill Workers Against Poisons' group, found that 28 workers have died at an average age of 61. Of them, 13 had cancer, eight died from heart attack or stroke and five from kidney or liver failure.

Most suffered shortness of breath, mood swings, profuse sweating and headaches. Those still living are suffering similar symptoms but convincing the government of the link with dioxin is proving more difficult.

Associate Minister of Health, Ruth Dyson, says the trouble with the situation with the sawmillers is that their health needs are not identified as linked to exposure and there has not been any proof of that.

In spite of that, the former mill workers are now pleading with the government for free medical help.

Harawira says, "Most of us here are sickness beneficiaries and the cost factor outweighs our benefits.

Dyson explains, "There is a very strong commitment by all of our ministers, who have been working together on this issue, to make sure that action occurs. That where further investigation is required, it is funded and undertaken, and that the health needs of these individuals are met."

Yet another report, this time by the ministry for the environment, on dioxin levels in the soil at five sawmill dump sites in Whakatane, is expected to be released within a month.

The 'Sawmill Workers Against Poisons' say there are currently 27 contaminated dumpsites throughout Whakatane.

Published on Jun 23, 2002

Well Mr. Helliker, Arthur Schopenhauer once noted: "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third, it is accepted as self-evident." What always sickens me are those "regulators" we have hired to "protect" us, who seem to me, only seem to be interested in protecting and promoting the ongoing "slaughter of the innocents".  Why must we continue to plead for mercy?

Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten

If you would like to be included in our mailing list for continuing information on pesticides, Email Us..

TOP