Atherton Fire Station

Staff of the Atherton Fire Station were briefed on on the results of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) testing on the site, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts told State Parliament today.

"The testing was recommended by a Queensland Health study into the incidence of cancer among current and former staff at the station.  There have been five reported cases of cancer among current and former staff over the last 15 years," he said.

"While the ARPANSA testing has identified no issues of concern, the results of the SIMTARS testing on the site have not been received. Once received, these results will also be provided to staff and released publicly."

The ARPANSA report concluded that:
-extremely low frequency magnetic fields were “low in comparison with levels found in homes and offices”;
-ambient levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from external sources were “low in comparison with levels found in capital cities and very far below Australian and international health standards”;
-concentrations of naturally occurring radon gas were “not able to be detected, indicating levels considerably less than the average value in Australian homes”; and
- levels of gamma-ray dose rate were “consistent with natural background radiation from the ground and from building materials” and “were generally low”.

The study did find an exception to this generally low level “in the south-west corner of the lecture room where a modest increase in level was observed”.

The report indicates that this modest increase was “traced to an obsolete smoke detector, probably containing radium, kept for demonstrations.”

This smoke detector has been disposed of in accordance with ARPANSA recommendations.

Studies into the incidence of cancer among firefighters in Queensland and across the country are also progressing.

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council is due to meet on 19 June to consider the proposal from Monash University for a national study into the incidence of among Australia’s firefighters. Queensland has already indicated its support for this proposal.

"I can also advise that Monash University is being consulted about the methodology for the Queensland study," Mr Roberts said.

"The Government takes this issue very seriously and we are committed to implementing all recommendations from the Queensland Health study."

A copy the ARPANSA report will be published on the Department of Emergency Services website www.emergency.qld.gov.au

3 June 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350