Concerns over Christchurch Hospital staff inhaling toxic fumes for several months

At least 30 radiology workers have fallen ill due to the fumes, and one has been hospitalised.

The fumes are believed to be from paint work at the construction site.

APEX advocate Omar Hamed says workers started noticing the fume's effects in February.

He says they were experiencing headaches and finding it difficult to breathe - while some had skin symptoms like rashes.

Health NZ has paused construction until the exact cause is established.