Phebra

Media statement

Tuesday, 24 October, 2006
For immediate use

Yesterday afternoon, PharmaLab, a Lane Cove-based pharmaceutical company, inadvertently leaked a small amount of a harmless, non-toxic, non-staining green medical dye into Burns Bay in Sydney.

The source of the dye was identified and the leak was stopped soon thereafter.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Lane Cove Council, the local police and the fire brigade were all notified immediately. Today, PharmaLab has had further discussion with Lane Cove Council to rectify the matter.

The green dye, known as sodium fluorescein, is the same green dye that plumbers use to track water leaks in household pipes.

PharmaLab produces the dye for medical purposes. These include monitoring and photographing eye blood vessels for diagnosing certain diseases of the retina.

PharmaLab CEO, Dr Mal Eutick apologises for the spillage which was caused by human error.

“A small amount of the dye was accidentally knocked into a rain water tank on the property yesterday. Since then we’ve been monitoring the dye levels in Burns Bay which are declining. We are also working with contractors to contain the leakage and dispose of it,” said Dr Eutick.

Councillor Ian Longbottom, Mayor of Lane Cove said: “This was an unfortunate mistake caused by human error and reminds us we must be ever vigilant when dealing with any substances to ensure they are handled in an environmentally sensitive manner. To put it simply, the drain is just for rain. Lane Cove Council is working closely with PharmaLab and the EPA to assist in managing the spill.”

PharmaLab is a specialist, Australian pharmaceutical company dedicated to the provision of high quality, targeted critical medicines.

The company adheres to very strict, highly regulated manufacturing protocols at all times.

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For more information, please contact Ruby Archis or Kirsten Bruce from viva! communications on 0413 834 906 or 0401 717 566.