Northern Ont. union worried members were exposed to cell-destroying substances
A union in Sudbury is notifying around 900 members that some of them might have been exposed to cytotoxins -- a cell-destroying substance -- while on the job.
Cytotoxins are used in treatments such as chemotheraphy to attack cancer cells. But they can also present a danger to anyone who is exposed.
In Sudbury, Tara Fennell, a personal support worker, was taking care of a resident when she learned he was cytotoxic.
"I had no idea what it was so when I went home and researched it, I learned that he was on chemotherapy meds," said Fennell. "And there was a whole host of education, policies, procedures, PPE, waste management that weren't in place."
Exposure can lead to a host of issues and negative health effects. It's particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Fennell said anyone taking cytotoxins excretes them in their bodily fluids for a period of time.
"(The fluids are) just as toxic as the medication, so everyone handling that should be in chemotherapy gloves, double chemotherapy gloves, chemotherapy gowns, splash masks, booties, like the medication when it's being prepared should be in hooded vents," said Fennell.
She's now working to help contact the 900 other members to see if any of them were exposed. The union is also working to help them fill out WSIB claims.
Eric Boulay, president of Mine Mill Unifor Local 598, said numerous workers could have been exposed to the toxins in the last couple of decades.
Hospitals and the cancer centre have proper protocols to dispose of the cytotoxic waste, but the union said long-term care facilities and nursing homes have been granted exemptions.
"About 1,000 members currently active in our local that could have potentially been exposed to substances, but most of these facilities have been around for 20 years," said Boulay.
A lot of the waste they're dealing with, as a result, is now ending up in the landfill.
Fennell, who was also exposed, said there needs to be more protocols in place.
"More money for PPE, you have to provide education," she said.
"It's what they've been cited for because there is no education at these facilities, so they need an education program, policies and procedures and a higher calibre of PPE."
Boulay said the union would help any member worried they were exposed file a claim.
"And then if anyone is feeling any symptoms, we'll 100 per cent help them fill out a claim for the symptoms they're suffering and follow through all the way to get these claims accepted by WSIB as a recognized hazard," he said.
Two provinces have laws in the books, to inform workers and employees about the dangers of cytotoxins. The union is hoping Ontario will be the next.
It's hoping to reach out to the new minister of health after the provincial election.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.