08 December 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
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Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Supports decision to close Victoria Park playground

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) supports the decision made by Auckland City Council to close the Victoria Park playground due to the potential health risk from soil contamination.

The council undertook soil testing at Victoria Park after their desktop study identified the land could be contaminated due to its proximity to the former Beaumont Street Gas Works - test results showed high levels of the chemical Benzo-a-pyrene under trees around the playground.

Benzo-a-pyrene is also a suspected human carcinogen, although the levels found in Victoria Park are unlikely to cause cancer.  The levels found in the playground are not known to cause any acute health risks.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service advises that the park is safe for sporting and other activities, but cautions parents to keep young children who might play in areas of exposed soil, such as are under the trees, away from the area until the council completes soil testing.

Benzo-a-pyrene is one of a large group of hydrocarbon compounds that are mainly formed whenever organic matter is burned.  It is widespread in the environment and is found in foods, especially foods that have been char-grilled, smoked, or burnt.  Manmade sources include combustion from motor vehicle engines, coal and wood fires, cigarette smoke, and waste from gas works.  Occupational exposures occur, especially where workers are exposed to coal and aluminium production processes.  Volcanoes and forest fires also produce benzo-a-pyrene.

The council believes that remediation works will take about eight weeks to complete and will be followed by work to reinstate the playground.  In the meantime, the council and Auckland Regional Public Health Service advises public not to enter the fenced off playground.

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board

Phone: 09 630 9952
Fax: 09 630 9789
Mobile: 021 804 122