Survivors of Grenfell ‘are all at risk of asbestos poisoning’

HUNDREDS of Grenfell Tower survivors and firefighters could have asbestos poisoning after being exposed to toxic fumes, a coroner has warned.

Dr Fiona Wilcox called on the NHS to set up a screening programme for those who were exposed to smoke and dust during and after the fire.

In a letter to Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, she said action must be taken to prevent future deaths.

Citing firefighters and others who suffered health problems years after 9/11 in the US, Dr Wilcox said the impact of the disaster could be ‘wide-ranging’.

She added that ‘real concern’ had been expressed for the survivors, especially children, exposed to smoke and dust.

Dr Wilcox, a senior London coroner, wrote: ‘Without an appropriate system of health screening, there is a risk illness may arise unnoticed or present later in survivors, first responders and site workers, and thus reduce life expectancy.’

Asbestos, now banned, was used in ceilings and cupboards when the tower was built in 1974. If inhaled it can cause mesothelioma, a fatal lung disease.

Public Health England previously said tests had found levels of dust and asbestos at Grenfell Tower were not a concern. An NHS England spokesman said it continued to provide ‘extraordinary care’ to survivors.

AN illegal immigrant yesterday pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £60,000 in public aid meant for Grenfell survivors.

Tunisian Abdelkarim Rekaya, 28, pretended to be a survivor to take advantage of the Government’s amnesty for illegal immigrants in the block. He will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on November 27.

‘System of health screening’