After a thorough testing process, Liverpool City Council's Moore Street building has been found to be safe for use and Council is making plans to resume full occupancy of the building.
Level six of the building was vacated in May after current and former council staff members working in the building over varying periods of time were found to have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
The testing process – covering ionising radiation, radiofrequency electromagnetic energy levels (prompted by concerns about a nearby mobile phone base station) and building occupational health – found no identifiable health hazard in the building.
The conclusion of an expert Reference Group, formed to oversee the investigation, is that the apparent cancer cluster, although unusual, would appear to have occurred by chance. Council thanks those who were diagnosed with cancer for their co-operation and wishes them well for their future health.
In particular, no source of ionising radiation "other than the ever-present background radiation" was detected. This was vital to exclude as, according to NSW Health, ionising radiation is the only known proven external cause of thyroid cancer.
In relation to concerns raised over phone tower emissions, testing found no radiofrequency electromagnetic energy levels above the general public exposure limits. NSW Health has stated there is no conclusive evidence of low frequency electromagnetic fields being carcinogenic.
Acting CEO Jason Breton said Liverpool Council is acutely aware that this has been a very difficult time for the Council employees directly affected, employees in general, some past employees and some members of the wider community.
"I hope this information provides some peace of mind not only to those still working in the building but also to those who are still facing medical challenges.
"We thank our staff and the other tenants of the Moore Street building for their cooperation and patience while we conducted this thorough investigation."
Before Council resumes occupancy of level six, a series of information meetings for LCC staff will be scheduled that will be attended by NSW Health and the testing companies so the results can be discussed and any questions from staff answered.
The full report can be read here.
