a study conducted by uk -based ici (Imperial Chemical Industries) on the long-term effects of dumping chemicals in quarries near Runcorn, Cheshire, uk has turned up some startling evidence. It has confirmed that some nearby homes have tested positive for hexachlorobutadience ( hcbd ).

hcbd is considered responsible for kidney and liver cancer in humans and there are fears that it may cause foetal abnormalities. So far, 16 houses in the village of Weston, Cheshire, have been cleared of inhabitants.

Chlor Chemicals, an ici subsidiary, has had a factory close to Weston for over 75 years. The company's practice of dumping chemicals in a local quarry ended 25 years ago, but environmentalists fear that the chemicals could have contaminated groundwater or seeped into house foundations.