THE FACE OF DIOXINS

A government report suggests that one in a thousand New Zealanders may be dying from dioxin related cancers. Other health effects of dioxins include: birth defects, male fertility problems, deformed sexual organs, birth deformities, retarded child development, behavioural problems and asthma. Many communities have been exposed to dioxins.
Shots of the Ivor Watkins Dow chemical plant at Paritutu near New Plymouth where the dioxin -based agricultural herbicide 245T was manufactured until it was banned. Residents relate how living near the plant has affected their lives.
The Tasman pulp and paper mill at Kawerau uses chlorines which form dioxins in the pulp bleaching process. These and other pollutants have been allowed to be discharged into the Tarawera River adversely affecting life in it and all those who depend on it. Interview with Tuwharetoa and Ngati Rangitihi representatives.
Like hundreds of other places in NZ , the now closed Whakatane Sawmill used PCP, a chemical containing dioxins, in timber preservation. Both workers and the surrounding environment were exposed to and contaminated with dioxins from PCP.
Sawmill Workers Against Poisons say there are many sites in the district used to dump mill wastes including PCP. They want tests done at these sites. They want action to resolve health and environmental problems. Interview with SWAP representative and a former mill worker.