1826 days ago

Chemical incident in industrial area of Penrose, South Auckland

Approximately 5,000 litres of methyl methacrylate was released from storage at a specialist chemical business on Industrial Road in Penrose earlier today.

Auckland Council staff, including environmental health and pollution experts, have been at the scene since it was reported. They are working with Fire and Emergency NZ, and have been consulting with Auckland Regional Public Health.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service’s Medical Officer of Health Dr David Sinclair says although the health risk is currently assessed as low, people should take a precautionary approach and close doors and windows if they can smell the chemical. The main potential health effects are eye, skin or respiratory irritation.

“If you work in this industrial zone you may also need to keep doors and windows closed tomorrow too.

“If you have any further concerns, please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice,” Dr Sinclair says.

More messages from your neighbours

Local Highlight

7 hours ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?