OHSS Environmental Health News - Cancer Cluster Investigated at Ulster University Campus

3 Dec 2018

At OHSS Safety Consultants, we have our finger on the pulse on all matters relating to asbestos abatement, asbestos disposal and in this case asbestos-related news. Here we look at a recent news item in Northern Ireland about some highly concerning events.

In a development that highlights the potential unseen dangers that exist in the built environment, an investigation was conducted by the Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR) into a “cluster” of cancer cases in young people working in the Jordanstown Campus Building.

Whilst the University themselves have stated that the building in question is safe, no one has been allowed to enter the area since the investigation began. It was suspected that the causes could relate to either asbestos exposure, radiation or other environmental factors, as several types of cancers were being experienced at higher than average rate.

Inconclusive Findings
The findings of the investigation suggested that these unfortunate cases were most likely down to random chance, rather than as a failure to adhere to asbestos regulations or other environmental guidelines. This was partly down to the fact that the cases involved several different types of cancer and not just mesothelioma, the cancer most associated with asbestos exposure.

One factor that had an impact on the findings of the NICR was that of the 65 who regularly used the building in question, only 29 consented to their data to be passed onto the cancer registry. With more information available it could have changed the outcome, but that is by no means guaranteed.

Now Only Used For Storage
Despite being given the all clear, Ulster University has decided that the Jordanstown Campus building will now be used primarily for storage, minimising the number of people who occupy the area on a regular basis. Whilst this case resulted in a less than conclusive result, it does serve to highlight the dangers that can exist in seemingly harmless looking buildings and the need to be vigilant and aware of the concept of occupational hygiene and safety.

At OHSS Safety Consultants, we have been helping Irish Businesses to keep workplaces safe since 2001 and we have extensive experience in all matters relating to asbestos abatement and occupational health. If you would like to know more about anything discussed here or would like to know more about our full range of services, please visit our website www.ohss.ie or call us now on 01 6905907.

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