"An Acceptable Risk"

[Mikeb]

Hi, a relative of mine works as a scientific advisor for the underground at london. All of the tube tunnels are coated by asbestos. This fire and heat reducing material was commonly used to insulate and surround engines and machinery which could explode or catch fire.

As we know today, Asbestos particles produced when the substance is broken up or damaged have proved to be hazardous to anyone who inhales them. When the tube bombs went off, an intial protocal risk assesment was carried out in the tunnels. Before any medical or rescue staff were allowed to enter, a structural surveyor made a visit and assesment of whether the actual tunnel(s) would themselves collapse. He gave an educated opinion on the impact the blast had had on structures and gave the go ahead for the next assesment on the extent of the damage done to the asbestos walls.

My relative (the senior official on the subject)concured that much scaring and tears had been made by the blasts (in all of the tube explosions) and that the level of amosite dust (the particles) was very high and a hazard to the wounded and rescue staff. He passed his assessment on the incident control room along with the others and a decision to send the resuce staff in was made by the crisis commander.

The reason I mention this to you is because of the recent news coverage concerning the rescuers at 9/11. Several hundred of the emergency services have contracted respitory diseases related to amosite and dust inhaltion. Many have been forced to give up work. They have petitioned for compensation and benefit from the US goverment. The US goverment has refered them back to a similar "risk assesment" made at the tome of the disaster, stating that the air quality was sufficient to not be a risk to health...! This has left hundreds of people who risked their to lives to save others with crippling respitory problems and no financial or govermental support.

Now with regards to 7/7 I asked my relative about what happened. He said that the rescue teams did indeed wear breathing apparatus which prevented them from poisoning. But when air supplies were hosed into the tunnels to ensure a stable oxygen supply, the asbestos dust was blown down the tunnels into the stations.

After the rescue, the repairs to the tunnels included the removal of all the dust. The air has been tested and it was clear before the stations re-opened. However I wouldnt be suprised if a number of people involved in the tube bomb incidents dont go on to develop breathing related diseases. I feel that they will have has much luck in getting help as the American workers did from their goverment.