High cancer rates 'not linked to air quality'

Air monitoring in an area near a Welsh cement works has shown no link between air quality and the high cancer rates in the region.

Environmental analysis carried out by Private Health Wales has indicated the levels of pollution around Hanson Cement works in Flintshire are not in breach of EU particulate pollution guidelines.

The Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit had highlighted the unusually large proportion of disease sufferers in the vicinity of the plant, but has accepted that no link between the two exists.

Director Dr John Steward said the tests completed "reflected large scale variation in background risk factors mainly associated with lifestyle choices. This is a pattern we have seen in other areas of Wales. Clustering is normal and in itself of no concern."

There have been concerns over pollution levels across some parts of the UK in recent months, but figures published last month by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs showed rural air quality standards were at their best since 1987.

Posted by Claire Manning