Kedgley Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
Kedgley Sue: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers Questions to Members 
[Volume:620;Page:15538] 
9.  
SUE KEDGLEY (Green) 
 to the  
Associate Minister of Health 
: What are the results of the blood serum tests for dioxin exposure conducted on 24 New Plymouth residents and what are the health implications of these results? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Associate Minister of Health) 
: 
 Blood serum tests were conducted on 24 residents as the member said. They were all residents or former residents of Paritutu. Blood has yet to be taken from about 20 further participants. Of the 24 tested 12 were found to have higher levels of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in their blood than the New Zealand average. Despite numerous studies over the years it is still unclear what health effects may be linked to dioxin exposure but I have been advised that a small increased health risk cannot be excluded. 
Sue Kedgley 
: Can the Minister confirm that the report states that 30 years later levels of the most toxic form of dioxin tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin are still three times higher on average than the national average; that one person had a level 10 times higher than the national average; and that there are likely to be people out there with higher levels still? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: I can confirm that. But what I will say is that adverse health outcomes from these levels of dioxin is not certain. In fact the outcomes for each and every individual are quite different. We will be working with those people to make sure they feel comfortable with the process we have laid down. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: Is he confident that blood tests from only 24 individuals or for that matter only 50 individuals are sufficient to give meaningful scientific data from which conclusions can be drawn; if so why? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: The parameters for this study went through a thorough process of consultation with experts. The testing of so far 24 people is just an interim study. We will test 50 people then sit down with the community and the experts and work out where to go next. We feel confident that the number tested so far does give an indication and that there is an obligation for us to release these details but the study is not complete and there will be no certain conclusions drawn until that time. 
Sue Kedgley 
: How will he help the residents in New Plymouth who have been informed this morning that they have significantly elevated levels of the most toxic form of dioxintetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in their blood—a chemical that the US department of health classifies as a known human carcinogen—and who will be worried for their future and the future of their offspring; and will the Government require Dow to pay for the medical costs and compensate the victims? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: I am not prepared to comment on discussions with Dow at this stage. What I will say is that we are putting in place an office in New Plymouth and any people who have concerns can ring an 0800 number and get advice. We will be working with those people who have been tested and identified as having high levels of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in their blood to reassure them and to answer any concerns that they may have into the future. 
Sue Kedgley 
: Given that the report confirms that the Dow plant was the source of the contamination and given that the public health director Don Matheson told residents at a community group meeting that if there was proof that Dow had caused the problem recompense would be sought will the Government hold Dow to account and seek recompense? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: This is an interim result so far; we have to conclude the study before we draw any certain conclusions. At that point and in consultation with the community with Dow and with the Ministry of Health we will be making those decisions. 
Sue Kedgley 
: Does the Government think that after 30 years of denials false reassurances and procrastination by successive Governments the Government owes the residents of Paritutu an apology just as it has apologised over other historic wrongs? 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: At this stage I am not prepared to make judgment over past decisions by Governments. I am aware that there are many many opinions about what has happened and about what might be the outcome. I would just like to quote one person who was a participant in the study of 24—a Mr Doug West who is 78 years old. He says he is a good candidate because he has lived in the area since 1958 and has been healthy apart from two hip replacements and he says: “In my opinion all this talk on dioxin is a load of bullshit.” 
Mr SPEAKER 
: On reflection I do not want that word used in parliamentary debate. The member could have mentioned that in a different way and I just caution him. 
Sue Kedgley 
: As the Associate Minister of Health does he share the view that the contamination by dioxin is a nonsense or whatever the word was that he used; and will the Government be setting up a specialist medical centre to assist persons and how will it assist persons who were exposed in the 1970s but now live outside New Plymouth? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: There were three questions there; two can be attempted. 
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR 
: I quoted Mr West only because there is a range of views. This Government is concerned about the situation. That is why we initiated a comprehensive study of it using the latest technology and the best international information we had. As I said before there will be a local office that anyone with concerns can ring to ask questions of a medical officer. We will be doing everything to reassure that community and to work with it.