UK Power Plant Shut Down Following Asbestos Scare -- MesoLink.org -- 03-04-05

The power station was evacuated late last week following the discovery of a fibrous substance in the control room. The generating units at Kingsnorth Power station on the Hoo Peninsular had to be shut down because the control room was out of action following the evacuation.

Although power supplies were expected to run as normal, a spokesman for the plant confirmed that investigations were being carried out in order to try and determine the identity and source of the fibrous substance that had been found in the control room. "The safety of our staff is always paramount in a situation like this," said Jonathan Smith. "We have discovered the fibrous substance. We simply don't know what it is but whatever it is it shouldn't be there."

The building had to be evacuated in case the substance turned out to be asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a known carcinogenic, and if ingested can result in a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma as well as a number of other health problems. Asbestos related illness has risen over recent years, and is at the centre of multi billion dollar lawsuits against manufacturers and companies.