Workers struck by lung diseases

Powertrain is a sister company of MG Rover

As many as 73 workers at a car engine factory in Birmingham have been struck down with serious lung illness.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says it is investigating cases of alveolitis and occupational asthma at Powertrain in Longbridge.

Both diseases can seriously impair breathing and the HSE said it expected more cases to be diagnosed.

It said 73 people had "definitely or probably" fallen ill, although unions say only 15 cases have been confirmed.

More than 1,000 workers at Powertrain, which makes engines for MG Rover cars, are now to be screened.

There is no conclusive link at this point that the Powertrain plant has caused these illnesses Powertrain spokeswoman

Staff at the plant are being asked to wear face masks as a precaution.

Both asthma and alveolitis can be caused by breathing in microbes present in the vapour given off during the use of metalworking machinery.

Marcia Davies, the HSE's director of operations for the Midlands, said: "This is a very unfortunate and worrying outbreak of occupational lung disease.

"We have required Powertrain to make serious improvements to the cleaning and monitoring regimes for the metalworking machines and fluids.

"The microbes in the metalworking fluids, which may have caused the diseases, are now being adequately controlled and most people affected are still able to work."

A spokeswoman for Powertrain said: "There is no conclusive link at this point that the Powertrain plant has caused these illnesses.

Legal action

"We use the same chemicals and substances as other similar firms."

Both the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) and Amicus unions said they were aware of 15 workers at the plant being affected by lung disease.

T&G regional organiser John Walsh said: "We are concerned, obviously, for our people and that's why we are keeping in close touch with the company and seeking an urgent meeting with the HSE.

"These are difficult and, indeed, worrying times but we need to be calm and measured to make sure the causes of the cases are identified, isolated and eradicated."

Claims on behalf of those workers affected are being prepared by the union's solicitors.

An investigation began when five cases of lung disease emerged in March.

The HSE said there was no reason to suspect any one outside the plant was at risk.