Health surveillance and monitoring post Buncefield Fire

10 January 2006

Following the fire at Buncefield oil depot, the Health Protection Agency and the Dacorum & Watford and Three Rivers Primary Care Trusts are working together to review and monitor any health effects of the incident. The initial findings from this work will be published later this year.

Health Protection Agency Chief Executive, Professor Pat Troop, said: "At the time of the fire we made a commitment to look at any potential health effects.

"We are continuing to work with the Primary Care Trusts by carrying out a review of the environmental and health data collected during the fire. We are also monitoring the health of people in the immediate area of the depot and those who were under the plume, and are conducting an occupational health survey of the emergency service staff that worked on the frontline.

"We can reassure the public that if people followed the advice provided at the time of the fire, there is currently no evidence to suggest they will experience any significant health problems."

If anyone still has concerns about their health, which they believe is related to the Buncefield oil depot fire, they should contact NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or their family doctor.

Notes to Editors:

Media enquiries to:

Rose Child, Head of Communications - Dacorum & Watford and Three Rivers Primary Care Trusts on 01923 281639/01442 840950

or

Iain Mallett, Regional Communications Manager - Health Protection Agency on 01223 372840

Last reviewed: 14 December 2007