Commercial fishing was banned in the Harbour two years ago and the families who worked the waterway for their livelihoods say they have been abandoned by the State Government. Parents claimed that their children are suffering from gum disease, rotten teeth and retarded development.
The children are also exposed to allergies and skin problems. Some children also have mysterious red rashes on their heads and necks. Families said that their pleas for healp gone unheeded as they are demanding more blood test and compensation to cover thousands of dollars in medical bills. They accuse the Government of failing to warn them of the health risks of eating poisoned Harbour fish.
Fisherman Spiros Kandiliotis, 59, recorded 119 picograms of dioxins – almost 12 times the Australian adult average of 10. Paediatric dentist Eduardo Alcaino said some children presented with enamel hypoplasia, undeveloped teeth. According to him dioxins act as an important causative agent for such disease cannot be ruled out.
A spokesman for NSW Health said there was no valid scientific or medical reason to continue monitoring the fishing families. He adds that NSW Health has never undertaken to compensate for any medical costs for anyone exposed to dioxins. Meanwhile the ban on commercial fishing in the Harbour would remain without any second choice.
