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Manchester radiation probe to get underway

30/09/2008

The University of Manchester has recruited a specialist to look into the possibility of radiation being behind several recent deaths.

Five former members of staff at the Rutherford Building have died from cancer, leading to speculation that earlier experiments involving elements such as polonium are responsible.

A specialist from the Medical Research Council has been recruited to investigate whether there is any substance behind these claims.

Professor David Coggan will research whether the deaths of doctors Hugh Wagner and John Clark are linked with those of Arthur Reader, Vanessa Santos- Leitao and Moria Joy Hayward.

A spokesperson commented: "The University of Manchester has engaged Professor Coggon to lead an independent review into possible health risks associated with ionising radiation in the Rutherford Building."

The University of Manchester was recently handed a £5 million grant from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd in order to further develop world-class nuclear education and research, which was pioneered at the facility by Ernest Rutherford last century.