![image: [ The building is redeveloped as part of the Channel Tunnel rail link ]](/olmedia/70000/images/_74146_kingsx300.jpg)
However a Health and Safety Executive spokesman said that although the spores were definitely active in the fabric of London's King's Cross station, they were safely sealed and present no immediate health risk.
The spokesman revealed that the HSE had been aware the anthrax had been present in the station since 1992.
He said builders in the 19th century probably used infected horse hair imported from another country to bind the plaster mix.
Other old buildings might also be infected and King's Cross was being closely monitored, he added.
Customs scare
News of the living anthrax comes just two weeks after Customs officers confirmed they had been warned of a possible plot by Iraq to plant anthrax in duty-free bottles.
If, as planned, the building is redeveloped as part of the Channel Tunnel rail link, there could be a risk to construction workers, the HSE spokesman said.
"Even in that instance, the risk is likely to be minimal as various protective precautions would be taken in the process."
The spokesman said reports that the disease is totally untreatable are "not entirely true".
"If diagnosed early and treated promptly, the disease has been shown to be sensitive to penicillin," he said.
But if humans become seriously infected by swallowing, absorbing it through the skin or inhaling it - the latter being the most common - death is brutal and quick.
"The disease spreads from the lungs causing flu-like symptoms at first, developing into breathing difficulties, skin discolouring and death within 24 hours."
He said construction workers would be well advised to take precautions if and when work starts on King's Cross.
Precautions can include applying heat treatment to infected materials to incinerate the spores, wearing protective clothing and also giving workers preventative doses of penicillin.
Railtrack
Anthrax FAQ
Health and Safety Executive
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