FIRST RESULTS IN FROM MINERAL HOUSE TESTS
Published Monday, 12 May, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Preliminary tests carried out at Mineral House in Brisbane’s central business district show electromagnetic field measurements are well within accepted guidelines, Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today.
“The Department of Public Works asked Queensland Health to conduct environmental and epidemiological testing at Mineral House after it was made aware that six staff from one office had been diagnosed with cancer within a four year period,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Queensland Health staff were on-site on Thursday and Friday undertaking the first stage of testing - electromagnetic field measurements - in the Queensland Government Security Office on ground floor.
“The preliminary results from this testing were discussed with staff who work in the building today.
“The testing showed the EMF (electromagnetic field measurements) readings were around two (2) microtesla, but I stress this result is preliminary and will be verified in the coming days.”
The interim national guidelines established by the National Health and Medical Research Council are 100 microtesla.
Mr Schwarten said it was important to note the electromagnetic field testing was just the start of the testing, not the end, and the results would feed into a larger investigation.
“Further testing will continue this week, including scientific testing of other floors where necessary, and epidemiological testing,” he said.
“Epidemiological testing looks at the types of cancers diagnosed in the building as well as the individual circumstances of those people who have been diagnosed with the disease.”
“The Department of Public Works will leave no stone unturned in its investigation.
“The health and safety of our employees is paramount.
“If it is found that the work environment at Mineral House has played any part in people becoming ill the Department of Public Works will immediately act.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
“The Department of Public Works asked Queensland Health to conduct environmental and epidemiological testing at Mineral House after it was made aware that six staff from one office had been diagnosed with cancer within a four year period,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Queensland Health staff were on-site on Thursday and Friday undertaking the first stage of testing - electromagnetic field measurements - in the Queensland Government Security Office on ground floor.
“The preliminary results from this testing were discussed with staff who work in the building today.
“The testing showed the EMF (electromagnetic field measurements) readings were around two (2) microtesla, but I stress this result is preliminary and will be verified in the coming days.”
The interim national guidelines established by the National Health and Medical Research Council are 100 microtesla.
Mr Schwarten said it was important to note the electromagnetic field testing was just the start of the testing, not the end, and the results would feed into a larger investigation.
“Further testing will continue this week, including scientific testing of other floors where necessary, and epidemiological testing,” he said.
“Epidemiological testing looks at the types of cancers diagnosed in the building as well as the individual circumstances of those people who have been diagnosed with the disease.”
“The Department of Public Works will leave no stone unturned in its investigation.
“The health and safety of our employees is paramount.
“If it is found that the work environment at Mineral House has played any part in people becoming ill the Department of Public Works will immediately act.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832