Doctor wants poison inquiry widened

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 14

Doctor wants poison inquiry widened

PA Tauranga A Cambridge doctor has called on the Health Department to widen its investigation into chemical poisoning to include agricultural contractors and farmers.

Dr Ricky Gorringe said these two groups should be added to the investigation as they run a high risk of chemical poisoning. The Health Department has announced that a task force would look into about 30 poisoning cases in Canterbury and another 20 cases involving firemen affected by the 1.C.1. fire in Auckland last year. The cases are said to be caused by the chemicals,

paraquat and 2,4,5-T. Dr Gorringe gained public attention in June when he diagnosed 2,4,5-T as the “very definite” cause of myalgic encephalomyelitis, the ailment also known as Tapanui flu and M.E. Dr Gorringe applauded the setting up of the task force but said the investigation should be widened to include those using chemicals in agriculture. “It is a major problem with farmers and agricultural contractors,” he said. “I have heard of cases of some farmers affected by chemical poisoning being off crook for between two and six years.” ,

Dr Gorringe said at present he had 42 cases of chemical poisoning on his books. Dr Gorringe said the 1.C.1. fire in Auckland last December called attention to the problems of chemical poisoning. ’•»' * “In a strange sort of way that fire has performed a major public service by drawing attention to a major health problem,” he said. “The trouble is in establishing a firm diagnosis, and so it is good to see the Health Department now open-minded about the situation by setting up this task force.’’ -,, s.