Residents Ignored as Hazardous Quarry Dust Covers Kingsteignton Roads
Ball clay dust contains invisible RCS, which is linked to silicosis, asthma and lung cancer.
For six months, residents in Kingsteignton have been reporting serious concerns about dust from Sibelco’s quarry operations. Letters have been sent, complaints have been raised, and evidence has been shared. Yet there has still been no meaningful response from Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council, or Martin Wrigley.
We have now released a new video showing the reality on the ground at a busy crossing used every day by children, families, pedestrians and cyclists.
Children and families at risk
The footage shows roads coated in ball clay dust at a crossing point used by the public every day. HSE guidance states that ball clay dust contains respirable crystalline silica, which is linked to silicosis, asthma and lung cancer.
Like asbestos, the health effects of silica dust exposure can build over time. Repeated exposure increases the risk of serious long-term harm.
This is why residents are so alarmed. Children and families should not have to walk, cycle and cross roads through dust from industrial quarry operations.
The situation also raises a wider question. If Sibelco cannot properly control dust from its existing operations, how can it possibly justify expanding further, bringing quarrying even closer to homes and destroying the last large broadleaf woodland in our area?
After six months of complaints, this issue can no longer be ignored.
Take action
👉🏼 Email Devon Minerals Planning - mineralsplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
SUGGESTED EMAIL"
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am making a formal complaint about dust from Sibelco’s quarry operations in Kingsteignton.
Please watch this short video: https://youtu.be/JY7NbJ2etVY
The video shows dust on public roads and at a crossing used by children, families, pedestrians and cyclists. This is not only a matter of dust affecting one private home. It is a wider public health and environmental concern affecting shared public space.
HSE guidance states that ball clay dust can contain respirable crystalline silica, which is linked to silicosis, asthma and lung cancer. Like asbestos, repeated exposure can cause cumulative long-term harm.
Please confirm receipt of this complaint, provide a complaint reference number, and explain what immediate action will now be taken, including dust monitoring and enforcement if appropriate.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
Invisible RCS particles can have cumulative effects and cause fatal lung disease
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