Investigation into Hanson Cement draws to a close, UK

Investigation into Hanson Cement draws to a close, UK
06 December 2011


The investigation into emissions from Hanson’s Padeswood plant in Wales has almost come to an end.

The Public Health Wales investigation began in June 2010 in response to claims from people living near the site, that emissions from the factory were causing people to develop cancer and respiratory diseases in the area.

Previous investigations found UK limits for particulate pollution in the air were not exceeded around the plant and there was no evidence of consistent cancer clusters in the local area. However, it did find that in Hope, Caergwrle and Llanfynydd the figure for new diagnoses of cancer was significantly higher than the rest of Wales.

Four meetings have so far taken place in Flintshire between Public Health Wales officials, doctors, cancer specialist, scientist and environmental health experts, to gather and present evidence on whether there was a higher than average level of cancers and respiratory diseases in that part of Flintshire, and whether the plant was behind them.

A final meeting will be held in Mold on Tuesday where a draft final report will be presented.

There will then be community engagement before the final report is presented in April.
Published under Cement News