Environmental survey of RCMP detachment building in Powell River, B.C., implicated in a cancer cluster

The rationale and approach are presented that were used to investigate the Powell River RCMP detachment building, perceived to have a higher than normal cancer incidence and whose occupants demanded to know whether the building was safe to work in. On the basis of the history of the building and the cancers observed, a set of carcinogens were looked for in areas where the worst conditions were expected. A positive result would initiate a second more in-depth survey. This was done for Fyrol-PCF, which was shown to be a contaminant of the charcoal adsorption tubes used. The results of the survey indicated a safe work environment. The chemical analyses, complemented by the bioassay and comparison with a recognizable control site, were found to be most effective in the acceptance of the results by the public. The conclusions from this survey were confirmed by the findings of an epidemiological survey.