Cancer cluster school test doubts
Posted
Tasmania's Education Department has admitted knowing about a possible cancer cluster at a Hobart school for more than 2 years.
Aurora Energy consultants tested the Hazelwood site in Moonah for electro magnetic radiation after the issue was first raised by staff in 2006.
More tests were conducted earlier this year, because staff were still concerned their illnesses were linked to radiation emitted from a nearby transmission tower and substation.
The Education Department's Deputy Secretary, Greg Glass, says he accepts the advice that there is no link between the school and staff and student illnesses.
"In relation to both environmental factors at the school and also in relation to the electro magnetic radiation readings that there is no cause for concern in relation to the health and safety of students and staff at the school."
But the State Opposition has raised concerns about the adequacy of the radiation tests.
Concerned staff say the school was largely re-wired in the weeks before the testing was done.
The Opposition's Sue Napier had questioned Education Department Officials about the issue at a Parliamentary committee hearing earlier this year.
Ms Napier says she is unsure if the Director of Public Health had all the facts.
"If he hadn't been informed that there had been a re-wiring of certain sections of the school and that systems had changed then he wouldn't have been able to do a full and proper investigation."
