Christchurch Hospital staff exposed to toxic fumes receive health advice

Christchurch Hospital.
Photo: Provided / Te Whatu Ora

• At least 30 staff from Christchurch Hospital’s radiology and ultrasound departments fell ill after breathing toxic fumes from a construction site.
• It was believed that a chemical from the paint on the nearby hospital tower was circulating through the air conditioning.
• Health NZ said it is aware there are pregnant women on the radiology team who are receiving counselling.

Pregnant Christchurch Hospital radiology staff have received advice from Health New Zealand after inhaling toxic fumes from a construction site.

Health union APEX said at least 30 staff were sickened by an industrial chemical used in painting work at the nearby hospital tower that passed through the air conditioning.

The workers suffered headaches, breathing problems and rashes, with one of them ending up in intensive care.

Te Whatu Ora Te Waipounamu deputy chief executive Martin Keogy said he was aware of pregnant staff on the radiology team.

“We care deeply about their health and understand their concerns. We offer them expert advice and guidance through the independent occupational health doctor we employ and our fetal medicine service.”

RNZ obtained a memo sent to staff on Tuesday by Keogh which stated the fumes may have originated from spray painting fire retardant paint products applied to the steel structure of the Tower 3 site.

“As the root cause of the vapors experienced by radiology staff is still unclear at this time, I have ordered that all construction works across the Christchurch Hospital campus that create and generate vapors be halted until we have clarity that all works can be resumed safely.

“Several radiology professionals have developed symptoms including a range of respiratory and/or skin symptoms/rash, ranging in severity from very mild to very severe, including one staff member who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.”

The memo said Te Whatu Ora was working hard to identify staff or patients who may have been exposed.

He talked about hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), what the substance really was and what the health risks were.

The memo said it was used as a thickener and hardener for two-pot paints. May cause respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, irritation and headaches.

There may be long-term immunological reactions, which can cause asthma in adulthood, skin and gastro reactions.

He also stated that, for pregnant women, there was no risk of IDH being teratogenic (changes in unborn children) or carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer).

Health New Zealand said construction remained halted on Wednesday. WorkSafe has been notified.

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