Capper Pass and Son controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2002
Occupational-disease litigation and compensation claims
Former workers and people associated with the plant pursued claims involving diseases including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RTZ created a compensation process without accepting legal liability; 29 lung-cancer claims and nine COPD claims were settled, while most submitted claims were rejected.
1988
Childhood cancer cluster allegations
The Melton works was publicly associated with a reported childhood cancer cluster in west Hull and nearby villages. Investigations examined radioactive and industrial exposures, but the Baxter report did not establish a scientific causal link between the smelter and the cancer cases.
1984
Polonium-210 and radioactive-material controversy
A bismuth alloy supplied by the plant was found to emit alpha radiation associated with polonium-210. The subsequent licensing and delayed public disclosure of the emissions issue generated scrutiny of the plant’s regulation and environmental controls.
1970
Arsenic and lead contamination around the works
Levels of arsenic and lead found in agricultural land near the Melton plant led to crops and livestock being condemned. Industrial discharges also contributed to long-running concern about contamination in the Humber Estuary.