MELBOURNE — Seven RMIT University staff have been diagnosed with brain tumours since 1999, five in the past month. All seven have worked on the same two floors of a building at RMIT’s city campus, with six of them working there for 10 years. One of those affected is terminally ill.

Since May 12, health and safety specialists have been conducting radiofrequency monitoring, and air and water quality tests at the building. Staff have been temporarily moved and given the option of working from home.

About 12,000 students and 600 staff use the building, and at least 150 of these have lodged health complaints with the university after the recent revelations. RMIT management says it is trying to contact all previous staff who have worked in the building, but many casual employees have still not heard from the university.

Students and staff with any queries or concerns should phone the Helpline on 1800 338 492.

Elise Snashall-Woodhams

From Green Left Weekly, May 31, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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