Hello everyone,
I am in the process of undertaking data capture of a map from the late 19th
century and have come across a "Velvet Works". Apart from the possible
contaminants associated with material/textile manufacture I have been
previously informed that in this period chemicals was used in the
production of these materials. Particularly mercury was associated with
velvet manufacture (in fact the saying "As mad as a hatter" may have come
from people suffering from sickness associated with working with mercury
whilst producing hats, popular at the time !).
I don't know for sure whether the above is true or not but if such
chemicals were associated with such industries then it would of course make
a big difference on what risk ratings and the priority such sites would be
given for further inspection. Especially since we seem to have quite a few
similar industries in our area and other authorities probably could say the
same.
Has anyone got any previous experious of investigating such sites and
whether authorities should classify such sites as being potentially
contaminated with chemicals ?
Yours input is appreciated
Michael Moore
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