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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.