25 November 2015

Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insure Work

The Inquiry Secretariat

Dear Madam/Sir,

I, Yi Wang, act on my wife Yi Pan’s behalf to write to you. Mrs Yi Pan was exposed to the toxic chemical during the course of her employment with [Redacted] for more than a decade. The employer never provided her with any personal respiratory protective equipment. Prolonged occupational exposure to toxic chemical n-hexane caused Yi Pan’s Multiple System Atrophy disease. Her terminal illness is due to the employer’s negligence and fails to meet the occupational health and safety requirements and industry safety legislation. We earnestly request and appeal the authorities concerned to investigate the [Redacted] serious chemical poisoning incident.

1. Yi Pan’s working Circumstance

Yi Pan was employed by GMC Ceramics from 11/1991 to 05/2000. She did not come into contact

with chemical while she was working at GMC.　From 06/2000 to 10/10/2013 she was employed by [Redacted] . She worked as a machine operator for 12 years. The factory is located at [Redacted].

She worked on the solvent based laminating machine for one year from 2000 – 2001. The solvent used was Methyl Ethyl Ketone. She was not provided with any respiratory protection by the employer. Some workers experienced headaches from time to time.

She worked on the Sysco Cutting machine for 10 years plus from 2002 to when she ceased work on 19/9/2012. Her employment ended on 10/10/2013 as she was severely ill and unable return to work.

The Sysco Cutting Machine is a cutting press and entails material being stamped out by a die. Yi Pan was required to apply the Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray to lubricate the cutting tools after each process on a repetitive basis. The lubricator Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray was purchased and stored by the employer and was provided to the workers for daily use. The workers’ entire working process was monitored by the managers and the foreman.

The Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray contains the toxic chemical n-Hexane. The n-Hexane is volatile chemical that evaporate rapidly at room temperature. When she was using the Spray, Yi Pan could smell its vapour and inhaled toxin unwittingly. She was not provided with any respiratory protection for use whilst applying the spray.

She always worked strictly in according with managers’ and foremen’s instructions. The managers gave her work high appraisals. They said that “She was an excellent worker”, “She was said to be very experienced and knowledgeable in her role”, “She was described as a model employee and recognised many times by the Management”. (The sentences in the “” are quotes from the Circumstance Investigation Report and the Employer Statements (1/7/2015) similarly hereinafter.)

2. State of Yi Pan’s Health

Yi Pan immigrated into Australia on 09/1991. During each working day at [Redacted], she had to stand all day from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to operate the machine. “She was very efficient in this process.” “She had an excellent and impeccable attendance history and she was considered a model employee.” She took only a few days of sick leave during the 12 years of employment.

Prior to 2012 she was in excellent health with no smoke. Her General Practitioner Dr Fiona Hong of Springvale South Medical Centre has certified in her Medical Report that Yi Pan had no history of any neurological conditions prior to 2012. Also Yi Pan has no family history of such diseases. Her father is 91 years old and mother is 86 and they are still in good health. They live in Shanghai, China.

In 2012 Yi Juan Pan began to experience a range of symptoms including fatigue and weakness. At first she found that she was having difficulty standing and it was felt that there was something wrong with her legs. This issue eventually moved to her arms and whole body. By 19/09/2012 her symptoms had declined to such an extent that she ceased working and did not resume. She underwent numerous tests and she travelled to China to see if she was able to be treated.

On 11/2013 she was diagnosed with severe Parkinsonism by St Vincent’s Hospital Neurologist Professor Malcolm Horne. On 03/2014 she was diagnosed specifically with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a variant of Parkinsonism, because she displayed a poor response to the medication for treating typical Parkinson’s disease. On 06/2015 Dr Jasmin Morey of Monash Hospital also indicated Yi Pan suffered from severe medical conditions. The state of her illness developed very quickly. She had been given a terminal prognosis.

Occupational exposure to toxic hydrocarbons (n-hexane) cause more severe Parkinson’s disease than the typical PD. This has been indicated at many research theses: “Occupations involving the use of hydrocarbon solvents are a risk factor for early onset of symptoms of PD and more severe disease throughout its course”. “It is associated with earlier onset of the disease and a kind of PD that responds poorly to treatment and results in worse clinical conditions as compared to non-exposed patients.” “An occupation at risk for exposure to hydrocarbons, the development of more severe PD symptoms that is less responsive to treatment”. (Source: Hydrocarbon exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Pezzoli G et al, Neurology 55 September 2002). “Long history of occupational exposure to various solvents lead to Parkinsonism, the nervous system damage is generally more extensive than the typical of Parkinson’s Disease”. (Source: Parkinsonism after long-term occupational solvent exposure. J Neurol (1999) 246:198-206)

Yi Pan’s sickness symptoms are very similar to the group of factory workers in China who were poisoned while making iPhones and breathing in n-hexane’s vapours. They were dizzy, numb and could not walk. Eventually they became seriously ill. Similar incidents occurred in Taiwan, where

more than 60 workers who breathing in n-hexane vapour had to be hospitalised and they developed illness that will accompany them for the rest of their lives. (Source: ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) www.ABC.net.au.2010-10-26) Occupational hexane poisoning has occurred with Japanese sandal workers, Italian shoes workers, Taiwan press proofing workers, and others. (Source: n-Hexane, Environmental Health Criteria (122), World Health Organization, 1991)

Chronic toxicoses (poisoning) of n-hexane was occurred by inhalation of the toxic chemical vapour. Long-term occupational exposure to n-hexane has accumulated more and more toxins which damaged Yi Pan’s nerve system and affected her multiple organs.

20-05-2015 During Yi Pan’s hospitalization at Monash Hospital Kingston Centre, northwest ward, her treating Doctor Chee Boon Sung (specialising in Parkinson’s disease) discussing the cause of her disease with us and said that prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals would lead to central nervous system damage and cause Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy.

03-06-2015 the Neurologist Professor Malcolm Horne of St Vincent Hospital Melbourne, who has treated her MSA since 11-2013, said that he knew that the toxic chemicals caused Yi Pan’s Multiple System Atrophy. He was aware that n-hexane is the poisonous chemical. He wrote at the medical report: “Mrs Yi Pan has multisystem atrophy. Her husband pointed that she was exposure to H4000 silicone spray manufactured by Helmar for over 12 years. This contains hexane.” He mentioned he knew many similar chemical poisoning medical cases and facts reported in the neurological books and magazines and presented at the neuroscience ology conferences.

The evidences also collected by Union: Mr Vince PEPI, Victorian Regional Secretary of AMWU Vehicle Division, went to the site of the [Redacted] on 29 July 2015 and collected the following evidences:

a. Some workers witnessed ‘green can’ (the Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray) was been used as a lubricant when Yi Pan operated the Sysco cutting machine.

b. The maintenance worker provided the ‘green can’ to Yi Pan for the lubricating of the Sysco cutting machine.

c. The factory manager did not provide any personal protective equipment (respirator) to Yi Pan and other workers when they operated the Sysco cutting machine.

d. One female worker who fell sick after operated the Sysco cutting machine and left the job has the similar symptoms as Yi Pan’s.

3. Prolonged occupational exposure to toxic chemical n-hexane caused Yi Pan’s Parkinsonism and Multiple System Atrophy.

(A) According to the Product Engineering Manager [Redacted] statements (01/07/2015) the two Employer Chemicals (Hazardous Substances/Dangerous Goods) Registers (Date 18/07/2006 and Date 12/11/2013) had registered ALL chemicals used in the [Redacted] workplace and the Employer MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) File had recorded ALL chemicals used in the workplace. But we find that neither of the two Register Forms, nor the employer MSDS File included the Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray which Yi Pan used for 10 years.

(B) Product Engineering Manager [Redacted] repeatedly alleged on his statements: “over the period of Yi Pan’s employment, she was only exposed to the solvent was Methyl Ethyl Ketone.” “Yi Pan worked on the Sysco machine for 10 years plus, there is no any chemical exposure.” “No products used by either [Redacted] contain n-hexane.” “She did not work with this chemical at any time in her employment.” The manager [Redacted] alleged “The materials she worked with were essentially inert.” “There is no requirement when working on the machines that Yi Pan worked on to wear a mask or safety glasses.” Also mentioned in the Circumstance Investigation Report, no “Availability of safety equipment and policing its use” and no “Warning signs” on the Sysco Cutting machine.

But the facts are just the opposite. According to the HELMAR H4000 Silicone Spray’s Material Safety Data Sheet, this spray is classified as HAZARDOUS substance DANGEROUS goods. Its toxicity would cause serious damage to human health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. Its chemical ingredients include: Heptane and Isomers <15%, n-hexane < ~10% and Hydrocarbon propellant -Propane -Butane 60-90 %.

According to MSDS, the employer must provide workers with the toxicological information and special instructions before use. The Spray has high volatility feature. Potential adverse health effects and symptoms associated with exposure to the material. Inhalation of the vapours can cause light-headiness, dizziness and drowsiness. Excessive exposure may cause unconsciousness or even death. The employer must avoid workers to expose the Spray and provide workers with personal protective equipment. Worker should wear safety glasses and protective gloves, wear respirator complying with AS1715 and AS1716. (Source: HELMAR H4000 Silicone Spray’s MSDS)

It also demonstrated by authoritative documents. “Toxicity n-hexane can affect human multiple organs. The target organs are Central nervous system, Peripheral nervous system, Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin and eye.” (Source: N-HEXANE. TOXNET/ Toxicology data network Hazardous Substances Data Bank. National Library of Medicine USA) & (Source: World Health Organization (WHO) / International Programme on Chemical Safety, Poisons Information Monograph). “N-Hexane has been reported to be the most highly toxic member of the alkanes. It has been reported that 50g of n-hexane may be fatal to humans.” (Source: Hexane. Wikipedia http://en.Wikipedia.org/e/index.)

Take an overview of the above-mentioned Employer’s Documents and statements, we have good authority for stating the Employer did not aware the Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray is a chemical product containing toxic n-hexane with a hazardous and dangerous characteristics. Yi Pan was exposed to Helmar H4000 silicone spray for more than a decade. The employer never provided with any personal respiratory protective equipment for her to use whilst applying the spray. Prolonged occupational exposure to toxic chemical n-hexane caused Yi Pan’s Parkinsonism and Multiple System Atrophy. Her terminal illness is due to the employer’s negligence. The employer failed to meet the occupational health and safety requirements and industry safety legislation.

In view of the above-mentioned facts, we earnestly request and appeal the authorities concerned to investigate the *********’ serious chemical poisoning incident. We must never be off our guard against the danger of industrial chemical poisoning.

We hope an arrangement can be made for closed hearing.

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours respectfully,

(Mrs) Yi Pan & (Mr) Yi WangAddress: *******************************Contact Phone : ***********

P.S. Prolonged occupational exposure to n-Hexane as Parkinsonism / Multiple System Atrophy cause had been well documented. We have amassed a dossier of research associating exposure to n-hexane with the development of Parkinsonism and multisystem atrophy.

1.Helmar H4000 Silicone Spray: Material Safety Data Sheet (Source: www.helmar.com.au)

2. “Workers poisoned by n-Hexane while making iPhone”. (Source: ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) www.ABC.net.au.2010-10-26)

3. Chronic exposure to n-Hexane caused onset of Parkinson’s disease. 1995 Pezzoli et al studied case of n-hexane induced PD; 1996 Pezzoli research: hexane and PD established a causal link; 2009 Qing-Shan research: Chronic exposure to n-Hexane contributes to induce onset of Parkinson’s disease. (Source: Toxins as PD cause /n-Hexane. http://en.Wikipedia.org/e/index.)

4. N-Hexane has been reported to be the most highly toxic member of the alkanes. When n-hexane is ingested, it causes nausea, vertigo, bronchial irritation, intestinal irritation and CNS effect. It has been reported that 50g of n-hexane may be fatal to humans. In many applications the use of n-hexane is being phased out due to its long term toxicity.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit is 50 ppm (180 mg m-3), expressed as an 8 h time-weighted average (TWA). A peer reviewed study found that

inhalation of n-hexane at 5000 ppm for 10 minutes produces marked vertigo；2500-1000 ppm for 12 hours produces drowsiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and paraesthesia in the distal extremities, 2500-5000 ppm produces muscle weakness, cold pulsation in the extremities, blurred vision, headache and anorexia.

Occupational n-hexane poisoning has occurred with Japanese sandal workers, Italian shoe workers Taiwan press proofing workers, and others. Analysis of Taiwanese workers has shown occupational exposure to substances including n-hexane. In 2010-2011, Chinese workers manufacturing iPhones were reported as having suffered hexane poisoning. (Source: Hexane. http://en.Wikipedia.org/e/index.)

5. Human toxicity from n-hexane can affect multiple organs. The target organs are Central nervous system, Peripheral nervous system, Respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin and eye. . (Source: N-HEXANE. TOXNET/ Toxicology data network Hazardous Substances Data Bank. National Library of Medicine USA)

6. N-Hexane (Source: World Health Organization (WHO) / International Programme on Chemical Safety, Poisons Information Monograph)

7. National Pollutant Inventory – n-hexane fact sheet (Source: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp113.pdf )

8. Toxicity due to substances such as carbon monoxide, mercury, hexane….inhalation. (Source: Parkinson ism. http://en.Wikipedia.org/e/index.)

9. Prolonged exposure to certain hydrocarbons (e.g., n-hexane) can result in peripheral neuropathy, blurred vision, sensory impairment, muscle atrophy, and Parkinsonism. (Source: Hydrocarbon Toxicity. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article)

10. Occupations involving the use of hydrocarbon solvents are a risk factor for early onset of symptoms of PD and more severe disease throughout its course. We can state that exposure to hydrocarbons (e.g. n-hexane) is associated with earlier onset of the disease and a kind of PD that responds poorly to treatment and results in worse clinical conditions as compared to non-exposed patients. An occupation at risk for exposure to hydrocarbons, the development of more severe PD symptoms that is less responsive to treatment. (Source: Hydrocarbon exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Pezzoli G et al, Neurology 55 Sept. 2002)

11. It is well known that exposure to solvents in an occupational setting may lead to central nervous system damage and Parkinsonism. The most important solvents in this respect are methanol, toluene and n-hexane. We describe three patients who had been exposed to various solvents for more than 20 years. They presented with Parkinsonism. There is growing evidence that various organic solvents give rise to a Parkinsonism syndrome. To date, at least three solvent, i.e., carbon disulphide, n-hexane and methanol, have been shown to have neurotoxic properties that give rise to Parkinsonism.

It should be noted a toxic response may become clinically manifest years after exposure to a toxin. Long history of occupational exposure to various solvents lead to Parkinsonism, the nervous system damage is generally more extensive than the typical of Parkinson’s disease. (Source: Parkinsonism and cognitive decline after long-term occupational solvent exposure. J Neurol (1999) 246:198-206)

12. The study has shown a statistically significant association between exposure to solvent n-hexane and Parkinsonism. (Source: A possible association between exposure to n-hexane and Parkinsonism. Vanacore N et al (1999) Neurological Sciences 21:49-52)

13. The patients with multiple system atrophy had well-documented high exposures to agent n-hexane. . (Source: Multiple System Atrophy: the Causative Role of Environmental Toxins. http://archneur.iamanetwork.com/article.aspx.)

14. Clinical and pathological features in hydrocarbon-induced Parkinsonism (Source: Pezzoli G et al (1996) Ann. Neurol. 40 (6) 992-995 http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed )

15. ATSDR – Toxic Substances n- Hexane (Source: Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp113.pdf )

16. Toxicological Profile for n-Hexane (Source: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp113.pdf )