'No evidence' of cancer cluster in NSW coal townUpdated 4 hours...

'No evidence' of cancer cluster in NSW coal town
Updated 4 hours 40 minutes ago


In the spotlight: residents said pollution from nearby coal mines was making them sick (AAP : Dean Lewins)

: Four Corners report: A Dirty Business An investigation has shown that a spike in brain tumours in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton is likely not a cancer cluster, but a 'chance finding'.

Government health officials have been looking at the cases of five residents in a single block who were diagnosed with brain tumours.

The investigation came after an ABC Four Corners program which looked at complaints from residents that pollution from nearby coal mines was making them sick with cancer and asthma.

New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says the investigation found there was no link between the cancer sufferers and no specific environmental hazard where they lived.

"The finding has been is that the cluster is likely due to a chance finding, based on the lack of any increase in brain tumour rates in the Singleton local government area," she said.

"We've looked at cancer rates over the last 30 years and we've drawn on the most recent data available through the cancer institute."

Resident Peter Naglost had his cancer diagnosed 30 years ago and was successfully treated.

Mr Naglost says accepts the finding.

"They've explained to us and have showed us that everyone was different," he said.

"It shows that its unusual and we're all unfortunate that its happened."

Dr Chant says a second investigation by an expert panel into the health impacts of coal mine dust and power station emissions will continue.