Professor John Robertson OBA

The Health & Safety Executive [reporting to Pat McFadden’s Department for Work and Pensions] ‘believes‘ that at least FOUR sites in Grangemouth could be IDEAL for the manufacture of explosives and munitions?

On behalf of the Ministry of Death, the UK Health & Safety Executive, reporting to Labour Friends of Israel vice-chair, McFadden, born in Glasgow and presumably with relatives in Central Scotland, seems unlikely to be concerned for them.

Should he be concerned for them?

I’m reminded of my days at Stirling University, mid 70s, still living in Grangemouth and doing summer and winter holiday jobs there, in ICI Chemicals [My previous full-time job] and Calor Gas. Other students teased me about the health risks of living and working there but an engineer told me I’d be one of the lucky ones if Grangemouth ‘went up.’ I’d be instantly atomised while they’d suffer a slower death from 100% body burns and toxic fumes.

So, explosives, then? Would that be dangerous for the locals or those around the area?

How dangerous are modern munitions explosives manufacturing sites?

Modern munitions and explosives manufacturing sites remain among the most inherently dangerous industrial facilities in the world, even with significant advances in safety engineering.

https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=1990726478380540068

Are there health risks for populations living near munitions or explosives manufacturing sites?

Yes, populations living near munitions or explosives manufacturing sites face documented health risks, primarily from chronic low-level exposure to explosive compounds and associated heavy metals. Key findings from peer-reviewed studies and government reports include:1. Explosive Compounds (TNT, RDX, HMX, DNT, etc.)

• Groundwater and soil contamination is common at active and former munitions sites. RDX (Royal Demolition Explosive) and TNT are classified by the EPA as possible human carcinogens; long-term low-dose exposure is linked to:
  • Increased cancer risk (especially liver, kidney, and blood cancers)
  • Neurological effects (headaches, seizures in high exposures, subtle neurocognitive changes at lower levels)
  • Anemia and methemoglobinemia (TNT-specific)
  • Reproductive/developmental effects (reduced sperm quality, low birth weight observed in some studies)
• Example: The Massachusetts Military Reservation (Cape Cod) studies (ATSDR & epidemiological research) found elevated breast cancer rates and subtle neurobehavioral effects in nearby residents exposed via contaminated drinking water.

2. Perchlorate

• Used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and munitions; contaminates groundwater at many sites.
• Disrupts thyroid function by inhibiting iodine uptake → hypothyroidism, especially harmful to pregnant women and children.
• Documented at dozens of U.S. sites (e.g., former Aerojet facility in California, Camp Edwards again).

3. Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Depleted Uranium)

• Lead styphnate and mercury fulminate in primers; lead and tungsten in small-arms ranges.
• Chronic exposure linked to neurological damage, kidney disease, developmental delays in children.

4. Air Emissions and Open Burning/Open Detonation (OB/OD)

• Many facilities still use open burning or detonation of waste explosives (legal under certain permits).
• Releases particulate matter, NOx, and trace explosives into air → respiratory issues, cardiovascular effects, and potential cancer risk downwind.
• Communities near the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (Virginia) and Holston Army Ammunition Plant (Tennessee) have reported higher rates of respiratory illness and cancer clusters (though causation is debated).

More and sources at: https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=1990730337383563264