UK media (The Guardian) have reported analysis of dust and soil around Grenfell Tower showing elevated levels of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and hydrogen cyanide. The analysis is being carried out in study by Anna Stec, University of Central Lancashire, independently of the official investigations. A number of samples of soils and dusts were collected at 8 sites, both close to and up to a mile from the site of the fire which killed 72 people on 14th June 2017. The Guardian reported that contaminated soil was found up to 2/3 mile from the fire site. Dr. Stec is reported to have communicated preliminary results to Public Health England (PHE) indicating “huge concentrations” of potential carcinogens in dust and soil and in burned debris from the fire, including asbestos. She suggests that other toxicants have been found, which are not currently being measured by PHE. Her full report is expected to be submitted to PHE in Spring 2019. PHE have responded by noting that contaminants in soil can come from many sources, including past industrial emissions or coal fires. In a contradictory statement, they suggest that the plume of smoke rose vertically from the Grenfell Tower Fire but that debris which did deposit locally was cleared up in the days after the fire. The Coronor for Grenfell has called for long-term health screening for all persons exposed to smoke from the fire and the England National Health Service (NHS) has announced that survivors of the fire will be screened for effects of smoke inhalation.
The Guardian, 12 October 2018 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/12/toxins-found-in-grenfell-tower-soil-study-finds