STAR SIGN
Threat to health from toxins in soil near Grenfell Tower
Grenfell Tower TOXINS that could cause lifelong health problems have been discovered in soil and debris around Grenfell Tower.
Professor Anna Stec, who conducted a study which found “huge concentrations” of potential carcinogens, has issued a private warning to council chiefs about her findings and urged them to carry out further tests.
She said high levels of hydrogen cyanide were discovered in the debris after the fire in June last year that left 72 dead and hundreds homeless.
Prof Stec also urged health authorities to take blood and saliva samples from firefighters and survivors. She said some had the “Grenfell cough”, indicating high levels of contaminants.
She said: “I already have datasets that indicate a number of toxins that have not yet been measured by Public Health England. I think my research will show there are a number of added toxicants that need to be measured.”
A PHE spokesman said: “Contaminants in soils can come from a variety of sources. It would be difficult to link it directly with the Grenfell Tower fire.”