THE PAINTERS' HEALTH

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 115, 19 May 1925, Page 7

THE PAINTERS' HEALTH

USE OF WHITE LEAD AND OTHER MATERSALS

REPRESENTATIONS TO MINISTER

Disappointment with the regulations governing the use of whitelead in paints, with a view to protecting the health of operatives in the painting and decorating trade, was expressed by the secretary of the New Zealand Painters' Federation; speaking on behalf of a deputation representing that body which waited on. the Minister of Labour last night. Air. Oornwell said that the regulations did not affect the painter at all. Mr. Rowley (secretary of the Labour Department) pointed out that they contained certain provisions in the interests of the painter. . Mr. Cornwell : "Oh. yes, but they are so slight that- they affect only forty or fifty employees engaged in manufacturing paint." The regulations applied uniefiy lo factories, lie declared. Dr. M'Kibben (Director of Public Hygiene) said that if circumstances arose, whereby the painter contracted lead poisoning, the regulations certainly did apply ( 0 the painter. The Minister said he had understood the regulations were to apply to everyoue working with paint. Mr Cornwell said the Federation asked that the use of white lead in paint should bo prohibited altogether as recommended by tlio Geneva, conference of employers, employees, and the Governments of various countries Dr M'Kibbeu sakl that if it was proved that there were equally efficient substitutes for lead no Health Department m the world wo-ilrf hesitate, but that was a moot question. For New Zealand to take action'in a matter that had not been proved j., other countries would be rather like rushing things The workers in England handled far more lead than workers in New Zealand Mr. Cornwell referred also to the'use of injurious substitutes for turpentine and other materials used by painters particularly naphthol, benzol, and rain-' era! turps.

Dr. M'Kibuen admitted that a lot of sickness amongst painters was caused by these substitutes. It might be as wel to add a clause io the regulations prohibiting the use of vehicles which might be dangerous to the worker The Minister said the clause would be .strenytliened as was suggested In regard to white lead, he wanted to see the whole matter sifted out. If the deputation would draft a statement of its ease, he would submit it to tlie Health Department and secure opinions