Herbicide can harm the skin
An agricultural chemical, pentachlorophenyl, in common use throughout New Zealand, can cause severe skin problems and respiratory complaints unless used correctly. The chemical, registered by the Department of Agriculture as a herbicide, is known commercially as Crosel Moss Killer, Coopers Moss Killer, I.W.D. Moss Killer, and Shell Moss Killer.
An isolated case of severe skin infection yvas reported earlier this year, and took three weeks to diagnose through the National Poisons Laboratory at Dunedin and United States laboratories. It yvas finally attributed to pentachlorophenyl. which the Health Department describes as highly toxic and easily absorbed through the skin. Unless protective clothing, goggles, and breathing apparatus are worn, those applying the chemical leave themselves open to health problems.
The Health Department in Christchurch believes that anyone who has become affected by rhe chemical has probably hot used the proper precautions advised on al] containers in which the chemical is stored. The chemical can be dangerous when it is sprayed on roofs which are catchment areas for household water supplies.
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Press, 29 July 1977, Page 3
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173Herbicide can harm the skin Press, 29 July 1977, Page 3
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