A victim of neurotoxicity, then bureaucracy

Brett Kane knows what it is like to be a shadow of your former self.

The Timaru man has not worked for 11 years as a diesel mechanic because of neurotoxicity caused by his work in the automotive industry.

As ACC do not consider his illness a workplace accident, he is paid a benefit of $384 compared to 80 per cent of the weekly wage of around $1,000 and financial assistance with rehabilitation.

Now he has become an active member of Equity for Illness, a national organisation pushing for those with an illness or disability to be given the same entitlements as those who are deemed by ACC to be unable to work due to an "accident".

Mr Kane worked in the diesel automotive industry for a decade, working in the Hawkes Bay, Northland and Dunedin.

As well as being exposed to fuel, he also had to cope with cleaning solvents, engine fumes and paint spray. Prior to his apprenticeship he was exposed to agricultural sprays, cleaning solutions and he also painted in confined spaces.

In the mid-'90s Mr Kane experienced tingling in his extremities, rashes, headaches, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, a lack of concentration and loss of mental sharpness.

"By 1997 I couldn't even remember how to rebuild an engine. I was completely stuffed."

He stopped working and doctors were unable to identify the cause of his illness.

A Christchurch GP, Dr Ted Pearson, identified him as suffering from toxic overload and neurotoxicity. An ACC assessment did not support his claim for compensation and he was instead paid a sickness benefit.

Living on a benefit he has since lost his home in Dunedin and is living with, and being supported by, his mother.

Mr Kane worked in the automotive industry for a decade and became sick. In 1997 he had to stop work and has been a beneficiary ever since.

Now 37, he believes the system was reluctant to recognise neurotoxicity as a medical condition as it was seen as a threat in terms of employer accountability and the possible onslaught of other claims so had therefore been put it in the "too hard basket".

His mother, Rae Kane, said many foods and household chemicals caused a reaction in her son and now loud noise and crowds seem to disorient him.

On Dr Pearson's advice he has undergone infra-red sauna treatments and taken supplements which has helped remove toxins from his system and improve his general health.

With his mother's help he had the $8000 infra-red sauna. He said because this action was not drug-based it was seen as outside the scope of conventional medicine.

The supplements which are part of the treatment are largely paid for privately, but there is a small allowance contributed by Work and Income.

He is concerned many people's health is being compromised by the chemicals they are exposed to.

When exposure made people sick, it was unlikely the general practitioner would consider toxins.

"Common solvents such as perfumes, alcohol, cleaning products, sprays, exhaust emissions ... are known neurotoxins and are well documented. We are all exposed."

Mr Kane is re-visiting his previously declined ACC claim to have his condition recognised. Private neuropsychological assessment shows he has a case.

Clinical neuropsychologist Debbie Snell found that some of Mr Kane's functioning was within normal range, but higher-function attention, memory, fatigue and irritability were areas where difficulties were identified. She, like two other specialists, found it was probable that organic solvents had damaged his health and caused brain injury.

Ms Snell recommended continued treatments and said psychological support could improve his quality of life. As a young man he led an active social life and was often out meeting people. Now his condition has seen his social circle reduced and he has become more reliant on his mother.

His attempts to work have all been unsuccessful.

"Fishing, tramping - I was out and about all the time, but now I can't even walk up a rocky riverbed. I lose concentration on the stones and I fall over and hurt myself.

"I've lost everything really."

-Herald staff

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