Fact Sheet - HEALTH HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES

Fact Sheet - HEALTH HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES: "Short-term exposure to solvents will cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness and dermatitis (skin problems). If repeatedly exposed to a solvent, a worker may develop long-term damage to the kidneys, liver and skin. Personality changes, sleep disorders, short-term memory loss and dementia can also occur from solvent exposure and these toxic effects on the nervous system are a great concern. "

That explains a lot! I was very ill after fitted the windows. The question needs to be asked - why were we not properly consolted or informed?

Forgive me if this is "standard practice" but over a week later (8 days) they sneak back to "re-seal" the windows... 

: "Styrene vapour causes mild irritation of the nose and throat at concentrations around 100 ppm"

Prove to me that we are ALL suffering from the flu?

I have heard reports that this stuff was left unattended and still dripping. If that had gone in some-ones eye then that eye may never have worked again! 

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 3 May 2000 (pt 20)

House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 3 May 2000 (pt 20): "Mr. Wigley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has assessed concerning the dangers to health from fibreglass used for insulation purposes; and if he will make a statement. [118950]
Yvette Cooper: The Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment have considered the carcinogenicity of those man made mineral fibres (glass, rock and slag wool) used for insulation purposes on a number of occasions since 1984. Their advice is that domestic exposures arising from infrequent or short-term do-it-yourself installation do not pose a carcinogenic risk. It was their view that these materials do not meet the European Union's criteria for classification of compounds as carcinogens. However there was limited evidence that occupational exposure was associated with lung cancer, although no definite conclusions could be drawn because there was a lack of information about confounding factors, such as tobacco smoking. It would be prudent, however, to act on the basis that sufficient occupational exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer. "

Fibre glass left laying about less than 50 meters from a school. 

we already know what tidy means to these guys!

Fact Sheet - HEALTH HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES

Fact Sheet - HEALTH HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES: "Larger fibres can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat while there is a possible risk of lung cancer from some SMF, for example fibreglass."

...and Thanet Council allow these fibres to blow around outside our homes and schools.

Extracts from a health and safety guide.

Extracts from: Code of practice (AUS)

[Glasswool] products in exposed dry wool form should be used only if they are completely enclosed in cladding or are in wet form. Boards should only be used if they are sealed on all sides.

Where products cannot be delivered to site fully [encapsulated] a sealed area should be set aside on site where on site workers taking full precautions and wearing full personal protective equipment (see 2.0 below) can complete the encapsulation process before the products are installed.

Work practices:
a) The area must be isolated and barricaded off from other work areas
b) Warning signs must be displayed at all entrances and exits to the area

You are looking at an image of fibreglass strands stuck to a rubber glove that has been discarded just outside the front door. 

If you feel outraged by anything you see here the people to contact are:

Thanet Council

Thanet Council Offices
Cecil Street
Margate
Kent
England
CT9 1XZ

Tel: 44 01843 577000
Fax: 44 01843 290906
Email: public.affairs@thanet.gov.uk
Web: www.thanet.gov.uk