More than 80 Christchurch Hospital staff affected by toxic fumes: reports

Health NZ has revealed that a total of 84 Christchurch Hospital staff have come forward with concerns that they may have inhaled toxic fumes from a construction site.

This figure is much higher than the 55 staff who came forward last month, Radio New Zealand reported.

According to the report, affected workers include radiology team members, including pregnant employees. They suffered headaches, breathing problems, and rashes, while one had to be admitted to intensive care.

Health NZ Te Waipounamu deputy chief executive Martin Keogh said they have established a health monitoring programme for affected staff.

The agency has also engaged with a specialist doctor to provide advice and clinical assessments to interested employees.

"It is key for me that we ensure any affected staff have the necessary resources and support they need to evaluate their exposure risk and provide treatment as required to aid their recovery," Keogh said as quoted by RNZ.

Source of toxic fumes at hospital

The toxic fumes are believed to be hexamethylene diisocyanate, which is used in painting work from the nearby construction of the hospital tower block.

The Association of Professional and Executive Employees (APEX) believes that the leak began in February, with the toxic fumes making their way to the hospital through the air conditioning vent.

"The fumes were circulated straight into the hospital, with the closest services to the vent – radiology and ultrasound – bearing the brunt of the poisonous fumes," a newsletter from APEX read, as quoted by The Press.

While the construction site had been paused after the news of the leak broke, Keogh said that some construction work has officially resumed.

"Any projects which could generate hazardous fumes will not recommence until I am sure the root cause of this issue has been identified and mitigations are in place to ensure a safe working environment for our people and the patients we are entrusted to care for," he said as quoted by RNZ.

According to the RNZ report, Health NZ has engaged with an external independent investigator to carry out a probe into the incident.