September 25, 2008

Phillipstown School pollution incident involving pupils’ health

Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline was contacted by the principal of Phillipstown School Tuesday September 23, late afternoon, after children were affected by fumes and some become nauseous.

The school had also contacted Community and Public Health and Occupational Safety and Health.

As a result of the call, Pollution Hotline staff spoke to staff at a nearby factory which recently set up in the industrial zone of Phillipstown close to the central city. The factory manufactures benchtops, using solvents in the process. They were assured that no more chemicals would be released to the atmosphere at a time the children were at the school.

In the meantime, Environment Canterbury is investigating if the factory has a consent to release solvent-based gases to air near the school, which is classified as a sensitive environment under the Resource Management Act. ECan’s Pollution Prevention team is working with the factory management.

ENDS

© Scoop Media