BBC NEWS A sixth person who worked in a Manchester University building used by Lord Rutherford, and contaminated by radiation and mercury, has died.
Professor Tom Whiston, 70, a psychology lecturer, died from cancer at his home in Sussex.
He occupied the building where the Nobel Prize winning scientist carried out his experiments on atomic structure using radioactive radon.
An independent inquiry into any health risks at the building is under way.
Professor Whiston is the third occupant of the Rutherford Building to have died of pancreatic cancer in the last two years.
All three worked in rooms used by the scientist for his experiments. A fourth colleague, who also worked in the building, died of a brain tumour in 1992.
A computer assistant, who also suffered from a brain tumour, died in February 2008 and in 1984 a laboratory assistant died of cancer.
An independent inquiry into possible health risks at the Rutherford Building is being carried by an outside scientist, Professor David Coggon, at the request of officials at Manchester University, and is expected to report later this year.
He is examining claims that the deaths are linked to contamination in the building, which was used by Lord Rutherford between 1907 and 1919.
The radioactivity was first uncovered in 1999, 80 years after Rutherford had left, and de-contamination work was subsequently carried out. The mercury was found more recently.
Manchester University declined to comment on Professor Whiston's death, pending the result of the Coggan investigation.
Where the hell is health and safety when you need it?
“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.” David R Hawkins
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Professor Tom Whiston, 70, a psychology lecturer, died from cancer at his home in Sussex.
He occupied the building where the Nobel Prize winning scientist carried out his experiments on atomic structure using radioactive radon.
An independent inquiry into any health risks at the building is under way.
Professor Whiston is the third occupant of the Rutherford Building to have died of pancreatic cancer in the last two years.
All three worked in rooms used by the scientist for his experiments. A fourth colleague, who also worked in the building, died of a brain tumour in 1992.
A computer assistant, who also suffered from a brain tumour, died in February 2008 and in 1984 a laboratory assistant died of cancer.
An independent inquiry into possible health risks at the Rutherford Building is being carried by an outside scientist, Professor David Coggon, at the request of officials at Manchester University, and is expected to report later this year.
He is examining claims that the deaths are linked to contamination in the building, which was used by Lord Rutherford between 1907 and 1919.
The radioactivity was first uncovered in 1999, 80 years after Rutherford had left, and de-contamination work was subsequently carried out. The mercury was found more recently.
Manchester University declined to comment on Professor Whiston's death, pending the result of the Coggan investigation.
Where the hell is health and safety when you need it?
“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.” David R Hawkins
Angus
Angus Dei on all and sundry
NHS Behind the headlines
Angus Dei politico
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